Peter Kriel, General Manager of the Independent Institute of Education (IIE), has highlighted the challenges of identifying bullying in the workplace, noting that such behavior is often concealed.
Kriel’s comments come after a study published in the SA Journal of Industrial Psychology this year recommended the introduction of an anti-workplace bullying policy and an employee assistance program (EAP) to combat and manage bullying more effectively.
“Many people associate bullying with the school playground, but it exists in the adult world too,” Kriel explained. “It's important to differentiate between sensitivity and genuine bullying. While a single incident may not constitute bullying, ongoing behavior that undermines others, lowers their confidence, or puts them at risk is likely bullying.”
The call for awareness and intervention strategies comes as workplace bullying continues to be a concern for employees and employers alike.