Published: Thursday, July 2, 2009
Office bullies thrive in recession
The recession is creating a blank check for office bullies, said Gary Namie, director of the Workplace Bullying Institute, an advocacy group. The "absolute control of an employer is more apparent in a recession," he said.
His advice for those who feel harassed:
n Understand that abusive behavior -- invading someone's space with intent to intimidate or calling the person names -- isn't just rude. "It's not inadvertent, it's not accidental," Namie said.
n Build an economic case against the bully. Has there been high turnover or absenteeism? Is there low morale? Has productivity sagged due to a tense, inefficient atmosphere?
n Look for another job. Getting away from the bully might be the easiest way to resolve the problem.
The Associated Press
His advice for those who feel harassed:
n Understand that abusive behavior -- invading someone's space with intent to intimidate or calling the person names -- isn't just rude. "It's not inadvertent, it's not accidental," Namie said.
n Build an economic case against the bully. Has there been high turnover or absenteeism? Is there low morale? Has productivity sagged due to a tense, inefficient atmosphere?
n Look for another job. Getting away from the bully might be the easiest way to resolve the problem.
The Associated Press
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