Workplace Harassment:
1 in 2 Canadians Experience Workplace Harassment and Bullying
In a random sampling of public opinion taken by The Forum Poll™ among 1875 Canadians 16 years of age or older, over half (55%) say that they, a co-worker, or both have been bullied in the workplace. Moreover, only 1 in 3 employers took action to end the bullying (Bozinoff, 2018).
Workplace harassment becomes workplace bullying when someone is repeatedly subjected to this over a period of time. and it often has a sense of difficulty defending oneself, so a sense of powerlessness or helplessness that’s built into the experience of bullying (Desjardins, 2018).
From a Cognitive Behavioural Perspective…
We know that all we truly control and manage is our own thoughts, emotions and behaviours. Therefore it is most helpful to focus on healthy control of self as a means of coping with the vast range of potential impacts that arise when experiencing Workplace Harassment and Bullying (WHB). Every person experiencing WHB can positively focus on self by reassuring self of ones own-known-truth, which cannot be taken by anyone.
WHB has the potential to overwhelm anyone. While you may be greatly affected it helps to reassure self that you have coped, you are coping and you will continue to cope. Seeking assistance can help. I encourage the development of a healthy coping plan to assist self to cope with WHB impacts. In my practice, I collaboratively work with individuals to tailor a healthy, positive coping plan.
AS THE IMPACTS OF WHB CAN BE OVERWHELMING, SHOULD YOU EXPERIENCE THOUGHTS OF HARM TO SELF OR OTHERS, PLEASE ERR ON THE SIDE OF CAUTION AND REACH OUT FOR ASSISTANCE BY CONTACTING: 911; A LOCAL CRISIS LINE; ATTEND A HOSPITAL EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT OR ANY OTHER CRISIS SERVICES THE KLINIC CRISIS LINE 204-786-8686 OR 1-888-322-3019 (toll free) IS AVAILABLE 24/7
For more information on Workplace Harassment and Bullying:
Manitoba Human Rights
Fact Sheet: Harassment is prohibited by The Human Rights Code www.manitobahumanrights.ca
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
Health & Wellness – Violence and Bullying www.ccohs.ca
Government of Canada
Is it Harassment? A Tool to Guide Employees www.canada.ca
Justice Laws of Canada
Criminal Code of Canada, Criminal Harassment Section 264 laws-lois.justice.gc.ca