Workplace Bullying : Stress Down Day 2009

Workplace Bullying : Stress Down Day 2009

A survey by the Samaritans reveals how far we have to go collectively to make the workplace a happier and more productive environment for many people throughout the UK. Work Pressure & Bullying Seriously Affects Workers Happiness One third of workers dream of quitting because their job is too stressful; over half say work is overtaking their home lives. Over 40% of IT workers, retailers, caterers and engineers feel unsupported at work. Over 50% feel unable to deal with stress. The picture is slightly better in health, education, banking and finance, but sizable numbers still claim they receive inadequate support at work. 

49% of people worry that stress is affecting their health; 32% feel their employers turn a blind eye to the problem; 43% feel their bosses try to get as much out of them as possible, regardless of their stress levels. Over half have seen colleagues cry over pressure and 83% would rather say they were sick with flu or another problem rather than admit they were stressed. 

Bullying still a Major Problem

It's a shocking statistic but for one in four people workplace bullying is a regular occurrence, happening on a weekly or even daily basis. 80% of workers have been bullied at some point in their career. 38% of young employees (18-24) find it difficult to talk openly to their managers and 57% feel unable to talk to their colleagues. Over 50% of all workers have been bullied by their managers.

Mediation can Help!

Often businesses can be hopelessly entrenched in their work practices and employees and managers in their attitudes towards each other. An expert appraisal of the situation can shed light on the issues and find a path to a solution for all concerned. Mediation is a means of making sure that everyone's voice is heard and their concerns addressed in the workplace - with a view to raising morale and therefore increasing productivity. Happy, communicative staff achieve more - it's a fact.