Help Eliminate Cyberbullying in the Workplace

Bullying in the workplace can take place in a wide variety of ways, both in-person and virtually. In the workplace, most bullying is referred to as harassment. Harassment can take shape in several forms, including the following:

Cyberbullying
Discrimination
Physical Harassment
Verbal Harassment
Psychological Harassment

Discrimination can go hand in hand with psychological harassment and if sent over a text message, cyberbullying is taking place. Many who experience cyberbullying are often socially ostracized in the workplace. Social ostracizing is the act of excluding someone from social groups in the workplace or society in general.

As a result of social ostracization, relationships in the workplace can be strained, which can make it difficult to get work done. Social ostracization can also cause many employees to feel unappreciated in the workplace. As a result, many employees will become isolated within the organization and some could experience depression, anxiety, and self-esteem issues. Overall, these acts can degrade employee morale and mental health significantly.

Techniques for Eliminating Cyberbullying

Teambuilding exercises are important. These can take place regularly for both new employees and the overall organization. Teambuilding can be as little as taking a half-hour out of the day to ask employees how they are doing and what their outlook is for the week. Teambuilding could also include taking everyone in the office for a day retreat away from the pressures of the workplace. It is important for employers who work virtually to find ways to connect with their employees. Some ways that companies can connect with employees include:

One-on-one meetings with employees;
Monthly care packages;
Virtual coffee breaks; and
Trivia game lunches.

Individuals who are struggling with cyberbullying can reach out to their HR representative or a social worker to help combat the feelings that they are having in the workplace.

The resources below are vital to helping organizations assist and prevent cyberbullying in the workplace:

The Five W’s of Bullying and Tips for Prevention- Praesidium

https://www.praesidiuminc.com/five-ws-bullying-tips-prevention/

Stopbullying.gov

https://www.stopbullying.gov/resources/get-help-now

https://www.stopbullying.gov/bullying/warning-signs

For additional Loss Control guidance, please visit the Plan & Protect safety hub.