Wales: More than a Quarter of Public and Commercial Service (PCS) Members Experience Bullying in the Workplace
One in four (26.4%) members of a civil service union in Wales have been bullied at work and 44% experience negative behavior on at least a weekly basis according to an independent survey by Glamorgan Business School’s Centre for Research in Workplace Behaviors (CRWB) for the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS).
The initial estimates show over 1 in 3 (39%) members with a long-term health condition have been bullied and that 41% of respondents have witnessed bullying in the workplace. The CRWB study surveyed 728 members of PCS in Wales. According to the early analysis 47% of staff experienced negative behavior monthly or now and then.
Negative behavior in the survey can be characterized by being “treated unfairly compared to others in your workplace”, “having your opinions and views ignored” or “someone continually checking up on you or your work when it is not necessary.” The survey also found that less than 10% of those bullied are satisfied with the way the matter was dealt with by their employer.
Mark Serwotka, PCS general secretary, noted, “The findings of this survey reveal a disturbing picture which needs to be addressed. Bullying in the workplace in all its forms should not be tolerated. Not only does it damage morale and create a climate of fear, but leads to a more unproductive workforce with higher instances of sickness. Departments and agencies need to address bullying quickly by working with unions to ensure dignity at work and anti-bullying policies are in place, as well as ensuring adequate training is in place for managers and supervisors.” (workersxzcompxzkit)
Hazel Mawdsley, Centre for Research on Workplace Behaviors at the University of Glamorgan Business School, added, “These are early indications from an ongoing study into workplace bullying and further analysis is needed. Nonetheless, the figures are a cause for concern. While some negative behavior may be expected in workplaces striving for efficiency, if it is targeted against subordinates or colleagues in a systematic way it may be considered bullying. It is particularly worrying that those with some long-standing physical or psychological conditions reported more bullying. Further analysis will help us understand these trends and facilitate the development of effective anti-bullying prevention and intervention strategies.”
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