ABSTRACT
The problems of bullying in the workplace are insufficiently recorded for researchers to know how big a problem it is. My own experience of Employee Assistance Programmes suggests that it is not only a massive problem but one that is largely unrecognised by employers. Although many insightful employers provide and police personal harassment policies, too many of their employees are frightened to make use of these procedures and either succumb to the bullies, leave their work and possibly their careers, develop problems of mental health, or take their sad stories to external agencies or family support networks. This chapter is written entirely on the basis of experience of employees coming to Employee Assistance Programmes operated by the unit in which I work and is supported, where possible, by relevant research.
