Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Cyberbullying in the work place
Garrett Sherrill
Cyberbullying is just like your typical work place bullying/harrasment, except that the wrongful action is actually done electronically or through online communication. Specific examples of cyberbullying are things like threatening emails/text messages/tweets and also include gossip and rumors that are spread through email or a type of social network. Personally I did not think that cyberbullying was much of an issue in today's workplace but studies have proven me wrong. A new study by the University of Sheffield and Nottingham University has shown that 8 out of 10 people have experienced cyberbullying at the workplace in the last six months. That is crazy!
So, why should employers be concerned and what can they do about it? I dont know about you, but if I was miserable at work because I was being bullied, I wouldn't stay at the job very long. Cyberbullying causes a lot of turnover for employers. Cyberbullying also causes stress levels to rise in employees, and causes loss of productivity and increased absenteeism. All of which cost the emoployer money. In order for employers to prevent cyberbullying there needs to be a culture, along with a strict policy, that communicates that cyberbullying will not be tollerated. Training and workshops on the topic are also very effective.
Have any of you ever been involved in a company where you have witnessed or even been a victim of cyberbullying? If so how did you overcome it?
http://www.northeastern.edu/securenu/?p=1995
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Like you, I had no idea this was a problem. If I were being cyber bullied, I would be more apt to tell one of my superiors, and submit evidence of it. Employers should be especially concerned if this is causing high turnover rates because it is costly to hire and train new employees. To prevent this from happening, training and workshops are where they should begin, but also openness from employers, to be able to talk to them about the situation.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you shed light on this because it is apparently something we all need to be aware of, for our own careers, and possibly for the careers of others.
Interesting post. I myself have never been a victim of any type of cyber bullying, but I can see why it would be an effective form of harassment for someone with that motive. It allows an individual to hide behind the email and say things that they normally wouldn't. I know there are many occurrences in schools via text and now legislation is targeting them. Hopefully this will lead to some sort of resolution.
ReplyDeleteWOW, I had no clue that this actually went on! I can not say that I have ever been involved with cyber bullying, however, I have seen some nasty e-mails that pertained to work getting accomplished. Matter of fact, I don't think the person that typed the e-mail even realized how rude it actually was. Which leads me to my next point. What is the fine line between harassment and tough encouragement? Or is there? I realize if maliciousness is involved we can conclude it was done out of spite; my issue is; there are so many times that our e-mails and text lose its context.. I cant tell you how many times I have text someone, reread what I wrote, and had to send a follow up text reexplaining myself.. I'm not saying that cyberbullying doesn't happen, I just think people's perceptions differ on how it is displayed.
ReplyDeleteWow! When I think of cyber bullying, I associate it with immature, young children. They do it because they can't handle in person confrontation or conflict. Cyber bulling through text or email allows them to project feelings that they normally would be afraid to do in person. Does this mean that as adults, our society is losing this skill as well?
ReplyDeleteThat statistic of 8 of 10 is crazy. I've never experienced cyber-bullying but I can only imagine the negativity it would bring into the workforce. Personally, I would talk to boss and hr about the situation and leave if it didn't get resolved. Life is too short for that!
ReplyDeleteI have never experienced cyber-bullying at work or even in life in general. I never thought that it could occur at work. I typically associate cyber-bullying with immature teenagers, but I suppose it can happen to anyone at anytime even at work. If I were to be ever have it happen to me or witness it, I would definitely take it to one of my superiors because no one should ever be treated that way.
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