Bullying
in the workplace: A conversation with Dr. Debra Pepler
Bullying
doesn’t occur only in the schoolyard. It’s
pervasive in the workplace, too, exacting a toll on
both mental health and productivity. In this podcast,
Dr. Debra Pepler discusses this problem and offers practical
solutions.
A
world-respected authority on bullying research, Dr.
Debra Pepler is a Distinguished Research Professor of
Psychology at the LaMarsh Centre for Research on Violence
and Conflict Resolution at York University, as well
as Senior Associate Scientist at the Hospital for Sick
Children in Toronto. With Dr. Wendy Craig, she co-leads
PREVNet – Promoting Relationships and Eliminating
Violence Network. Visit the PREVNet
Web site for resources on this topic.
Here
are the show notes for this podca
00:01 |
Welcome and intro |
01:25 |
Bullying
in the workplace defined as a misuse of one person’s
power against a co-worker. There may also be a group
of people who side against a marginalized person.
There are many ways to use power aggressively to
distress and undermine someone else and their capacity
to do work. |
03:00 |
Many
employers aren’t aware of workplace bullying;
the topic is getting more attention now. However,
it has always been part of the workplace ritual. |
03:47 |
Bullying
undermines both mental health and the ability to
do work. |
03:57 |
Europe
is leading the way; Canada is behind. Workplaces
with high levels of bullying have low levels of
productivity. So, costs are real. |
04:47 |
Sexual
harassment is also a form of bullying. It’s
the abuse of power with a sexual element added. |
05:36 |
What
should a person do if he or she is being bullied
in the workplace? Start with the workplace harassment
policy. |
06:00 |
In
Canada this is also a human rights issue. |
07:58 |
Should
the person being bullied say something to the bully?
Yes, but don’t be aggressive in return. Try
to catch it early before the relationship problem
grows and the bullying person gains power. |
08:50 |
Don’t
bully back. It only accelerates the problem. Be
assertive and use problem-solving skills. |
09:59 |
The
dream of PREVNet is to have safe and healthy relationships
for every Canadian. Visit the PREVNet Web site for
more information. |
11:15 |
This
podcast was sponsored by Lambton Financial Credit
Union. Remember that your credit union cares about
your family and your financial future. Our experts
can assist you with loans and wealth management
services, a full range of everyday banking services
and much more. Call Lambton Financial Credit Union
at 519.542.9059 or toll-free at 1.866.380.8008. |
Lambton Financial Credit Union is a full-service financial
institution with several branches throughout Lambton
County. Call us at 519.542.9059 or toll-free at 1.866.380.8008
or visit us online at lambtonfinancial.ca. |
