Bullies in the workplace

One in ten workers in the United States report feeling bullied at work. Although the data does not break out specifically for federal workers, one can wonder to what extent bullying exists within the walls of government. A recent study suggests that where bullying occurs, workers may have more power than they think.

Even though workers say they feel like there is nothing they can do to stop abuse, they can take a stand by leaving the workgroup or organization, or they can fight back by directly confronting bullies, gathering peer support and taking collective action, or they can document abuse and go to supervisors. In most cases, they use a combination of these tactics.

I wrote this blog before I read this morning's newspaper, and whaddyaknow, The Washington Post wrote about bullies, too, in a small blurb. I guess we all got the e-mail.