“Do I get that raise?”
“In this economy, I would have to be stupid to give you a raise. You’re lucky to have a job. You’re not that bright you know, but you’re a good person. I like you, really, I do. But again, you’re not too bright but because I like you, you’re still here.”
“About that raise?”
“If you worked 24/7 your work would not be as good as my least performing employee. Be glad that you have a job at all! You do want your job, don’t you?”
“Not really, but I’m willing to work for you because I’m your only employee. Remember, everyone quit because you’re a bully. You’re stupid, mean, incompetent, and can’t do your job! If I quit, then you can no longer be a boss. Get it? You do want your job, don’t you Now, about that raise!”
Most workplace bullying scenarios do not end up this well. According to a 2007 Workplace Bullying Institute survey by WBI-Zogby, bullying creates stress related health issues that include debilitating anxiety; panic attacks; clinical depression, and post traumatic stress. The study cites that PTSD occurs in 30% women and 21% men. Even if you’re not a direct target of bullying, the study reports that witnessing bullying is vicariously traumatizing and can produce the same health issues. WBI-Zogby reported that out of 7,740 respondents to a survey, 37% of workers had been bullied and that 72% had been bosses. However, any worker can be targeted by anyone in his or her work environment.
Currently, in New Jersey, employees are protected from workplace bullying by the “Healthy Workplace Act” Senate No. 333. The synopsis of the Act cites that, “the social and economic well-being of the State is dependent upon healthy and productive employees.” According to the Act, “it shall be an unlawful employment practice for an employer to subject an employee to abusive conduct or to permit an abusive work environment” and to retaliate in any manner against an employee because of a complaint or legal action.
This bill was originally sponsored on March 5, 2010 as A673 by Assemblywomen Sheila Y. Oliver (D), Valerie Vanieri-Huttle (D), and Linda R. Greenstein (D). In 2011, Greenstein moved to the Senate to complete the term and then introduced the same bill as S2515. On Jan. 10, 2012, Senator Greenstein introduced the bill to the Senate as S333. It has been referred to the Senate Labor Committee for the 2012-2013 state legislation session. Senator Linda R. Greenstein (D-14) can be reached at sengreenstein@njleg.org. Check with your particular state for workplace bullying legislative updates.
Basically, it’s simple. You can no longer be a bully in school or in the workplace, no matter who you are. Similarly, school administrators are legally responsible for maintaining the health and well-being of each student against abusive behavior. The coined phrase, “boys will be boys” and “girls will be girls” must be eliminated. So if there are any bullies out there, JUST STOP IT, and make it a good day for everyone.
(c) 2012 Linda Stone Cohen All Rights Reserved
Remember that no amount of money can purchase grace, wisdom and humility. Until tomorrow…
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