Work related stress due to bullying in the workplace

Here we address the issue of Work Related Stress and talk you through causes, effect and action you can take to reduce the risk of negative stress. This is a particularly interesting issue as over 70% of employee calls to our helpline have already been signed off work with Work Related Stress by their GP.

In some cases, callers have been off work for months and months and risk dismissal on grounds of ‘Capability Due to Ill Health’. Don’t wait until you are so ill you cannot see a way forward. Call us if you need help. At some point in our working lives we have all probably felt stressed about a project, target or circumstance that’s out of our control. It might have been the potential outcome of a situation is perceived to be a threat to your job or reputation within the business. Stress can affect us all differently and no one is immune to feeling stressed, it can all depend on the person and their ability to perform under pressure. It certainly does not imply weakness. In fact it’s a fundamental part of our survival instincts that makes us human. Stress is a physical response by the brain to danger.

Unfortunately, prolonged exposure to stress related to bullying at work can have serious consequences on our body and mind. There are a number of recognised illnesses that are associated with stress or are forms of stress, including PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and PTED (Post Traumatic Embitterment Disorder) and Depression.

The physical and mental impact on our lives due to bullying related stress can affect our behaviour and relationships at home and work. It can also have an impact on our ability to do our job. Stress is one on the biggest contributors to long term sick leave in the UK with over half a million workers citing stress, depression or anxiety as a factor to their absence in the last year. If you are suffering with a stress related condition or you think that you might be stressed. These are some of the signs to look out for.

There is a lot you can do. You are the only one who can bring about change in this situation. Consider your options and strategise your case before you make a life-changing decision. Insure you are informed of your rights and your options before you act.  Do not resign you position,  call us first.  Here are a few simple, strategic, steps you can take.

Start to keep a diary. Keep it at home. Write down examples of the bullying keeping it factual and brief. You’re not writing a book. You are keeping a diary. Include date, time, names of witnesses and a brief summary. Collate hard copies of the Company policies.  Grievance Policy. Bullying & Harassment Policy and other relevant policies ie: Performance Management, Maternity, Flexible Working and Absence Management.

Open a folder. Keep at home and start to structure your case. Your case is about the written word, not the spoken word so ensure everything is documented and placed in your folder. Sections in your folder will likely include (not exclusively); Policies & Contract of Employment, Diary, Health (ie: Sick Certificate), Witnesses, Evidence, Sources of Information, Appraisals, Emails and Correspondence, Minutes of Meetings, File Notes, Personal Achievements, Advice sought and research material etc. Call our Helpline or seek legal advice regarding your rights. Draw up and submit a Stage 1 Grievance or respond in writing to any formal process you are being put through.  If you meet with management but no minutes are taken, follow the meeting up with an email confirming what was said and agreed. Put it in your folder.

These simple steps, above, will help you to feel more in control as you embark on formal processes.  Call our helpline for further advice or follow the policies and procedures laid down by your employer. A good source of information regarding your employment rights can be found on the ACAS website.