--- title: "Intimidation at Work: How to Deal with Workplace Bullying" description: For many people workplace bullying is an every day reality. Learn more about the effects on employees and the workplace and how employers should handle it. image: https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/Workplace%20Bullying%20What%20It%20is%20and%20What%20to%20Do%20About%20It.png --- - [Client Portal](https://www.axcethr.com/client-services/) - [Employee Login](https://www.axcethr.com/client-services/) [![AxcetHR Solutions Blog](https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/AxcetHR2021%20Blog/axcethr_logo_white%20(1).png)](https://www.axcethr.com/) - [About Us](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/) - [Corporate Philantropy](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/corporate-philanthropy/) - [Meet the Team](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/meet-the-team/) - [Values and Culture](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/values-and-culture/) - [Kansas PEO](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/kansas-peo/) - [Missouri PEO](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/missouri-peo/) - [Careers](https://axcethrsolutions.prismhr-hire.com/) - [Why Axcet](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/) - [Why Choose Axcet?](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/) - [About PEOs](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/about-peos/) - [PEO Cost](https://www.axcethr.com/peo-cost/) - [Switching PEOs](https://www.axcethr.com/switching-peos/) - [Certified PEO](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/certified-peo/) - [HR Outsource Options](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/outsourcing-options/) - [Client Reviews](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/client-reviews/) - [PEO Services](https://www.axcethr.com/services/) - [Human Resources](https://www.axcethr.com/services/human-resources/) - [Employee Benefits](https://www.axcethr.com/services/employee-benefits/) - [Payroll Services](https://www.axcethr.com/services/payroll-and-tax-administration-services/) - [Workers' Comp. and Employee Safety Risk Management](https://www.axcethr.com/services/workers-comp-and-employee-safety-risk-management/) - [Expertise](https://www.axcethr.com/expertise/) - [PEO Expertise You Can Trust](https://www.axcethr.com/expertise/) - [Resource Library](https://www.axcethr.com/expertise/resource-library/) - [Subscribe to the Blog](https://www.axcethr.com/subscribe-to-the-latest-resources/) - [Blog](https://blog.axcethr.com) - [Schedule a Consultation](https://www.axcethr.com/schedule-consultation/) - [Why Axcet](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/) - [Client Reviews](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/client-reviews/) - [Why Choose Axcet?](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/) - [About PEOs](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/about-peos/) - [Certified PEO](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/certified-peo/) - [Options to Outsource Human Resources](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/outsourcing-options/) - [Services](https://www.axcethr.com/services/) - [Complete List of Services](https://www.axcethr.com/services/) - [Human Resources](https://www.axcethr.com/services/human-resources/) - [Employee Benefits](https://www.axcethr.com/services/employee-benefits/) - [Risk Management](https://www.axcethr.com/services/risk-management/) - [Payroll Administration](https://www.axcethr.com/services/payroll-and-tax-administration-services/) - [Expertise](https://www.axcethr.com/expertise/) - [Expertise You Can Trust](https://www.axcethr.com/expertise/) - [Resource Library](https://www.axcethr.com/expertise/resource-library/) - [Blog](https://blog.axcethr.com/) - [Subscribe to the Blog](https://www.axcethr.com/subscribe-to-the-latest-resources/) - [About Us](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/) - [Community Involvement](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/community-involvement/) - [Meet the Team](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/meet-the-team/) - [What We Stand For](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/what-we-stand-for/) - [Careers](https://axcethrsolutions.prismhr-hire.com/) - [Client Portal](https://www.axcethr.com/client-services/) - [Employee Login](https://www.axcethr.com/client-services/) [![fuel-blog-logo](https://blog.axcethr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/fuel-blog-logo.png?width=310&height=97&name=fuel-blog-logo.png)](https://blog.axcethr.com) Filter Blog by Topic - [Human Resources](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/human-resources) - [Payroll Administration](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/payroll-administration) - [Employee Safety & Risk Management](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/employee-safety-risk-management) - [Employee Benefits](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/employee-benefits) - [All about COVID-19 in the Workplace](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/covid19) - [Kansas & Missouri HR News](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/kansas-and-missouri-hr-news) - [Kansas City Interest News](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/kansas-city-interest-news) - [PEO/HRO](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/peo) - Choose Topic: - [Human Resources](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/human-resources) - Payroll Administrations - [Employee Safety & Risk Management](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/employee-safety-risk-management) - [Employee Benefits](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/employee-benefits) - [PEO](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/peo) Intimidation at Work: How to Deal with Workplace Bullying 5:24 # Intimidation at Work: How to Deal with Workplace Bullying By [Jeanette Coleman, SPHR & SHRM-SCP](https://blog.axcethr.com/author/jeanette-coleman) on [Oct 28, 2020](https://blog.axcethr.com/workplace-bullying-what-it-is-and-what-to-do-about-it) 4 min read [0 comment(s)](https://blog.axcethr.com/workplace-bullying-what-it-is-and-what-to-do-about-it#comments-listing) Share this: - - - - [whatsapp://send?text=https://blog.axcethr.com/workplace-bullying-what-it-is-and-what-to-do-about-it](whatsapp://send?text=https://blog.axcethr.com/workplace-bullying-what-it-is-and-what-to-do-about-it) - [mailto:?subject=Intimidation%20at%20Work:%20How%20to%20Deal%20with%20Workplace%20Bullying&body=https://blog.axcethr.com/workplace-bullying-what-it-is-and-what-to-do-about-it](mailto:?subject=Intimidation%20at%20Work:%20How%20to%20Deal%20with%20Workplace%20Bullying&body=https://blog.axcethr.com/workplace-bullying-what-it-is-and-what-to-do-about-it) ![Intimidation at Work: How to Deal with Workplace Bullying](https://blog.axcethr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Workplace%20Bullying%20What%20It%20is%20and%20What%20to%20Do%20About%20It_optimized.jpg?width=1000&name=Workplace%20Bullying%20What%20It%20is%20and%20What%20to%20Do%20About%20It_optimized.jpg) Bullying may conjure images of punches on the grade school playground or school books being knocked out of the nerdy kid's arms. But for many people, workplace bullying is an everyday reality. The bully isn't the big kid in class. It's a nasty co-worker or insecure supervisor who targets someone at work on a regular basis. Bryan E. Robinson Ph.D. quotes [The Workplace Bullying Institute's definition of bullying](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-right-mindset/202001/bullying-against-adults-has-risen) as including “repeated, health-harming … abusive conduct … or work interference, i.e., sabotage, which prevents work from getting done.” According to Robinson, workplace bullying has increased 19% in the last 11 years. He cites a Gallup poll that shows almost 50% of U.S. workers have experienced harassment recently. ## Effects of Workplace Bullying on Employees Daniel Bramley of the Nulab research team reports that more than 50% of employees experiencing workplace bullying say it affects their stress levels, concentration, and productivity. More than 75% say conflicts at work have gotten hostile and one-fifth say it’s a major factor in leaving jobs. When bullying happens, it may feel shocking or embarrassing, but Robinson recommends not staying silent about it and taking action. Those experiencing bullying can call it out directly in a calm and professional manner, document ongoing bullying in writing if calling it out with the perpetrator doesn’t stop it, check if the company has an anti-harassment policy, and talk to a direct supervisor and human resources. Support systems available include the [Workplace Bullying Institute](https://workplacebullying.org/), [Cybersmile Foundation](https://www.cybersmile.org/), and Stop Bullying Now Hotline 800-273-8255. [![workplace bullying and harassment](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2652187/f9f2605b-91d2-4eed-ba81-9a130e7d8bbd.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2652187/f9f2605b-91d2-4eed-ba81-9a130e7d8bbd) ## Effects of Workplace Bullying on Business Success In his book “[The Workplace Bullying Handbook](https://www.uncrushed.org/content/2019/11/18/the-impacts-of-workplace-bullying),” Paul Pelletier discusses the toxic, stressful work environment bullying creates. It affects productivity, performance, and morale, and prevents work from getting done. It harms teams and teamwork, causing high rates of absenteeism, loss of team effectiveness, and loss of high-performing employees. He explains that bullying has a direct impact on sick leave and disability claims, affects profits because of the lost time of top talent, and requires the time and attention of HR personnel to manage. An increase in turnover because of the negative effect on the work environment costs employers a lot in terms of not only money for replacement recruiting but also in business continuity, project work, and service to clients. Pelletier describes workplace bullying as the “single most preventable and needless expense” on a company’s bottom line, and says it’s good for business to end bullying. When workplace bullying results in legal action, the costs soar exponentially. Legal costs can run to thousands or millions of dollars. Damage to reputation is equally exorbitant. Pelletier emphasizes that the damage done by a bully executive, bullying investigation, or legal action against a company supporting or not doing anything about a bully can quickly ruin a company’s image in the world’s eyes. Leaders who fail to address bullying also risk their reputations, with direct impacts to the businesses they run, particularly when organizations lack a structured approach to preventing and addressing [workplace harassment](https://blog.axcethr.com/harassment-in-the-workplace) across the company. [![When Employees Harass Co Workers on Social Media](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2652187/8a84d578-aeef-44a9-b43d-45335a6435e2.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2652187/8a84d578-aeef-44a9-b43d-45335a6435e2) ## What Employers Can and Should Do About Workplace Bullying Public relations and communications consultant David Sparkman says [employers should have a program to eliminate bullying](https://www.ehstoday.com/environment/article/21919569/employers-can-stop-workplace-bullying-when-they-know-how). He says the consequences of not being prepared and not taking action to combat workplace bullying include government penalties, employee lawsuits, and expensive legal costs. Workplace bullying is closely related to [harassment in the workplace](https://blog.axcethr.com/harassment-in-the-workplace)and other forms of discrimination prohibited by federal law. Additionally, as workplace bullying can endanger employees, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to have anti-bullying policies to comply with the general duty to maintain a safe workplace. Legal professionals like attorney Marie Burke Kenny advise employers to never ignore bullying, always encourage reporting abuse, and work to resolve all bullying issues and incidents. Kenny says effective anti-bullying policies clearly identify bullying behavior, state that the company does not tolerate bullying, encourage reporting, and require written acknowledgment of and agreement with the policy. She also advises employers to train management and employees to understand bullying and acceptable behavior and how to recognize bullying, as well as set up an investigative process for all reported incidents and always take corrective action appropriate to the severity of the incident. Workplace bullying isn’t just a federal legal issue anymore. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) reminds employers that [workplace anti-bullying bills](https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/legal-and-compliance/state-and-local-updates/pages/workplace-bullying.aspx) like Massachusetts S.B. 1013 prohibiting abusive conduct against employees are being introduced more and more. The Healthy Workplace Campaign reports that 29 state legislatures have introduced such legislation recently. Whether your company has an anti-harassment policy and reporting process in place or not, it is well worth the time to review your organization’s culture and workplace environment and take active steps to address workplace bullying. [![Jeanette Coleman, SPHR & SHRM-SCP](https://blog.axcethr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Jeanette-04.jpg?width=80&height=80&name=Jeanette-04.jpg)](https://blog.axcethr.com/author/jeanette-coleman) Written by #### [Jeanette Coleman, SPHR & SHRM-SCP](https://blog.axcethr.com/author/jeanette-coleman) Jeanette Coleman, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, is the Director of Human Resources at Axcet HR Solutions, where she has contributed her expertise for over 21 years. As a leader in the HR industry, she holds advanced certifications as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and SHRM-Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). Jeanette oversees HR strategy and operations, ensuring Axcet delivers exceptional HR services that help small and mid-sized businesses stay compliant and grow. With a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Keller Graduate School and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Kansas State University, Jeanette is well-equipped to lead and support clients in navigating complex HR challenges. Throughout her 15-year tenure as Director of Human Resources, she has been instrumental in positioning Axcet as the Midwest’s largest and premier Professional Employer Organization (PEO). Her previous roles at Axcet include Director of Employee Benefits and Senior HR Consultant, where she gained extensive experience in HR outsourcing, and employee risk management. Jeanette’s expertise has been recognized through industry and regional publications. She co-authored the article “High-Touch in the Age of High-Tech: How PEOs Can Embrace AI Without Losing Their Humanity” (https://peoinsider.org/articles/high-touch-in-the-age-of-high-tech-how-peos-can-embrace-ai-without-losing-their-humanity/) for PEO Insider (March 2026), alongside Jo McClure, and was featured in Ingram’s Magazine in a Q&A (https://ingrams.com/article/qa-with-jeanette-coleman/) discussing generational change, technology, and workplace culture. These contributions reflect her perspective on balancing innovation with the human side of HR. Jeanette’s leadership reflects her deep commitment to helping businesses thrive through strategic, compliance-driven HR solutions. Through her writing, she shares insights on HR strategy, compliance, and best practices to help employers confidently manage their workforce. Published in: PEO Insider and Ingram's Read more [View all posts →](https://blog.axcethr.com/author/jeanette-coleman) ### Get HR Updates ### Table of Contents #### [Ask the HR Expert: Possible ADA Employee Accommodation ![Ask the HR Expert: Possible ADA Employee Accommodation](https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/Jeanette%20Coleman%20Blog%20Size%201000%20x%20667.png)](https://blog.axcethr.com/possible-employee-accommodation-ada-0) #### [![How PEO Clients Fared When Coronavirus Shut Down the Nation](https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/How%20PEO%20Clients%20Fared%20During%20the%20COVID%20Pandemic.webp) How PEO Clients Fared When Coronavirus Shut Down the Nation](https://blog.axcethr.com/how-peo-clients-fared-when-coronavirus-shut-down-the-nation) ## Let us know what you think... ![AxcetHR Blog](https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/AxcetHR2021%20Blog/axcethr_logo_white%20(1).png) - [Why Axcet](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/) - [What We Stand For](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/what-we-stand-for/) - [Expertise](https://www.axcethr.com/expertise/) - [Employee Benefits](https://www.axcethr.com/services/employee-benefits/) - [Human Resources](https://www.axcethr.com/services/human-resources/) - [Payroll Services](https://www.axcethr.com/services/payroll-and-tax-administration-services/) - [Risk Management](https://www.axcethr.com/services/workers-comp-and-employee-safety-risk-management/) - [Meet the Team](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/meet-the-team/) - [Subscribe to Latest Resources](https://www.axcethr.com/subscribe-to-the-latest-resources/) - [Resource Library](https://www.axcethr.com/expertise/resource-library/) - [\[ Client Portal \]](https://www.axcethr.com/client-services/) - - - - - Search for: Copyright © 2023 Axcet HR Solutions – Kansas City's PEO Since 1988 | [Privacy Policy](https://www.axcethr.com/privacy-policy/) | [Terms and Conditions](https://www.axcethr.com/terms-conditions/) | [**Join our Team – Careers »**](https://axcethrsolutions.prismhr-hire.com/) 10975 Grandview Drive Suite 200, Corporate Woods Building 27, Overland Park, KS 66210 | Call us: 913-383-2999 *The IRS does not endorse any particular For more information on [certified professional employer organizations](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/certified-peo/), go to [www.irs.gov](https://www.irs.gov).* Remove cookies ![](https://dc.ads.linkedin.com/collect/?pid=43031&fmt=gif) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Jeanette Coleman, SPHR & SHRM-SCP", "url" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/author/jeanette-coleman" }, "dateModified" : "2026-08-20T21:59:23.886Z", "datePublished" : "2020-10-28T14:30:00.000Z", "headline" : "Intimidation at Work: How to Deal with Workplace Bullying", "image" : [ "https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/Workplace%20Bullying%20What%20It%20is%20and%20What%20to%20Do%20About%20It.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/workplace-bullying-what-it-is-and-what-to-do-about-it", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/_logo_axcethr_primary.png" }, "name" : "Axcet HR Solutions" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://www.axcethr.com/#organization", "@type" : "Organization", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "US", "addressLocality" : "Kansas City", "addressRegion" : "MO" }, "aggregateRating" : { "@type" : "AggregateRating", "bestRating" : "5", "ratingValue" : "5", "reviewCount" : "100" }, "areaServed" : { "@type" : "Country", "name" : "United States" }, "award" : [ "IRS Certified Professional Employer Organization (CPEO)", "Award-Winning HR Solutions Provider", "SHRM Certified HR Professionals", "HRCI Certified HR Professionals" ], "contactPoint" : { "@type" : "ContactPoint", "areaServed" : "US", "availableLanguage" : "English", "contactType" : "Customer Service" }, "description" : "Award-winning Professional Employer Organization (PEO) providing comprehensive HR solutions, payroll services, employee benefits, and risk management to small and mid-sized businesses. Founded in Kansas City in 1988 with 35+ years of expertise.", "foundingDate" : "1988", "foundingLocation" : { "@type" : "Place", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "US", "addressLocality" : "Kansas City", "addressRegion" : "MO" } }, "hasOfferCatalog" : { "@type" : "OfferCatalog", "itemListElement" : [ { "@type" : "Offer", "itemOffered" : { "@type" : "Service", "description" : "Comprehensive HR management services including recruitment, retention, performance management, and company culture development", "name" : "Human Resources Management" } }, { "@type" : "Offer", "itemOffered" : { "@type" : "Service", "description" : "Accurate payroll processing and payroll tax filing with dedicated payroll consultants", "name" : "Payroll Processing" } }, { "@type" : "Offer", "itemOffered" : { "@type" : "Service", "description" : "Group employee benefits management including health insurance evaluation, selection, and administration", "name" : "Employee Benefits Administration" } }, { "@type" : "Offer", "itemOffered" : { "@type" : "Service", "description" : "Workplace safety compliance and risk management solutions", "name" : "Risk Management" } }, { "@type" : "Offer", "itemOffered" : { "@type" : "Service", "description" : "Employment law compliance, regulatory reporting, and guidance from employment law attorneys", "name" : "HR Compliance & Legal Support" } } ], "name" : "HR Solutions Services" }, "keywords" : "PEO, Professional Employer Organization, HR Solutions, Human Resources Outsourcing, Payroll Services, Employee Benefits, Kansas City PEO, Small Business HR, Mid-Sized Business HR, HR Consulting, IRS Certified PEO, CPEO", "knowsAbout" : [ "Human Resources Management", "Professional Employer Organization", "PEO Services", "Payroll Processing", "Employee Benefits Administration", "Risk Management", "HR Compliance", "Health Plan Management", "Talent Recruitment", "Performance Management", "Workplace Safety", "Employment Law Compliance" ], "legalName" : "Axcet HR Solutions", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.axcethr.com/wp-content/uploads/axcet-logo.png" }, "memberOf" : { "@type" : "Organization", "name" : "IRS Certified Professional Employer Organizations" }, "name" : "Axcet HR Solutions", "numberOfEmployees" : { "@type" : "QuantitativeValue", "value" : "50-200" }, "sameAs" : [ "https://blog.axcethr.com" ], "slogan" : "HR Support That Drives Success", "url" : "https://www.axcethr.com" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/workplace-bullying-what-it-is-and-what-to-do-about-it#article", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "alternativeHeadline" : "Bullying may conjure images of punches on the grade school false", "articleBody" : "Bullying may conjure images of punches on the grade school playground or school books being knocked out of the nerdy kid's arms. But for many people, workplace bullying is an everyday reality. The bully isn't the big kid in class. It's a nasty co-worker or insecure supervisor who targets someone at work on a regular basis. Bryan E. Robinson Ph.D. quotes The Workplace Bullying Institute's definition of bullying as including “repeated, health-harming … abusive conduct … or work interference, i.e., sabotage, which prevents work from getting done.” According to Robinson, workplace bullying has increased 19% in the last 11 years. He cites a Gallup poll that shows almost 50% of U.S. workers have experienced harassment recently. Effects of Workplace Bullying on Employees Daniel Bramley of the Nulab research team reports that more than 50% of employees experiencing workplace bullying say it affects their stress levels, concentration, and productivity. More than 75% say conflicts at work have gotten hostile and one-fifth say it’s a major factor in leaving jobs. When bullying happens, it may feel shocking or embarrassing, but Robinson recommends not staying silent about it and taking action. Those experiencing bullying can call it out directly in a calm and professional manner, document ongoing bullying in writing if calling it out with the perpetrator doesn’t stop it, check if the company has an anti-harassment policy, and talk to a direct supervisor and human resources. Support systems available include the Workplace Bullying Institute, Cybersmile Foundation, and Stop Bullying Now Hotline 800-273-8255. Effects of Workplace Bullying on Business Success In his book “The Workplace Bullying Handbook,” Paul Pelletier discusses the toxic, stressful work environment bullying creates. It affects productivity, performance, and morale, and prevents work from getting done. It harms teams and teamwork, causing high rates of absenteeism, loss of team effectiveness, and loss of high-performing employees. He explains that bullying has a direct impact on sick leave and disability claims, affects profits because of the lost time of top talent, and requires the time and attention of HR personnel to manage. An increase in turnover because of the negative effect on the work environment costs employers a lot in terms of not only money for replacement recruiting but also in business continuity, project work, and service to clients. Pelletier describes workplace bullying as the “single most preventable and needless expense” on a company’s bottom line, and says it’s good for business to end bullying. When workplace bullying results in legal action, the costs soar exponentially. Legal costs can run to thousands or millions of dollars. Damage to reputation is equally exorbitant. Pelletier emphasizes that the damage done by a bully executive, bullying investigation, or legal action against a company supporting or not doing anything about a bully can quickly ruin a company’s image in the world’s eyes. Leaders who fail to address bullying also risk their reputations, with direct impacts to the businesses they run, particularly when organizations lack a structured approach to preventing and addressing workplace harassment across the company. What Employers Can and Should Do About Workplace Bullying Public relations and communications consultant David Sparkman says employers should have a program to eliminate bullying. He says the consequences of not being prepared and not taking action to combat workplace bullying include government penalties, employee lawsuits, and expensive legal costs. Workplace bullying is closely related to harassment in the workplace and other forms of discrimination prohibited by federal law. Additionally, as workplace bullying can endanger employees, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to have anti-bullying policies to comply with the general duty to maintain a safe workplace. Legal professionals like attorney Marie Burke Kenny advise employers to never ignore bullying, always encourage reporting abuse, and work to resolve all bullying issues and incidents. Kenny says effective anti-bullying policies clearly identify bullying behavior, state that the company does not tolerate bullying, encourage reporting, and require written acknowledgment of and agreement with the policy. She also advises employers to train management and employees to understand bullying and acceptable behavior and how to recognize bullying, as well as set up an investigative process for all reported incidents and always take corrective action appropriate to the severity of the incident. Workplace bullying isn’t just a federal legal issue anymore. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) reminds employers that workplace anti-bullying bills like Massachusetts S.B. 1013 prohibiting abusive conduct against employees are being introduced more and more. The Healthy Workplace Campaign reports that 29 state legislatures have introduced such legislation recently. Whether your company has an anti-harassment policy and reporting process in place or not, it is well worth the time to review your organization’s culture and workplace environment and take active steps to address workplace bullying.", "author" : { "@id" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/author/jeanette-coleman#author", "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Jeanette Coleman, SPHR & SHRM-SCP", "url" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/author/jeanette-coleman" }, "dateCreated" : "2020-10-28", "dateModified" : "2026-08-20", "datePublished" : "2020-10-28", "description" : "Bullying may conjure images of punches on the grade school playground or school books being knocked out of the nerdy kid's arms. But for many people, workplace bullying is an everyday reality. The bully isn't the big kid in class. It's a nasty co-worker or insecure supervisor who targets someone at work on a regular basis. Bryan E. ...", "editor" : "Jeanette Coleman, SPHR & SHRM-SCP", "genre" : "Human Resources and Employee Management", "headline" : "Intimidation at Work: How to Deal with Workplace Bullying", "image" : "https://f.hubspotusercontent30.net/hubfs/2652187/Workplace%20Bullying%20What%20It%20is%20and%20What%20to%20Do%20About%20It.png", "keywords" : "Employee Relations, workplace bullying laws, bullying at work, intimidation in the workplace, workplace bullying, workplace bullying definition, workplace bullying statistics, office bullying, bullying in the workplace, what is workplace bullying, how to stop workplace bullying, how to deal with workplace bullying, definition of workplace bullying, intimidation at work", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/workplace-bullying-what-it-is-and-what-to-do-about-it", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@id" : "https://www.axcethr.com/#organization", "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/axcethr_logo_white.png?width=225&name=axcethr_logo_white.png" }, "name" : "Axcet HR Solutions" }, "url" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/workplace-bullying-what-it-is-and-what-to-do-about-it", "wordCount" : "5285" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement" : [ { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://www.axcethr.com/", "name" : "Home", "position" : 1 }, { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://insights.axcethr.com/", "name" : "Insights", "position" : 2 }, { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://insights.axcethr.com/tag/employee-relations", "name" : "Employee Relations", "position" : 3 }, { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/workplace-bullying-what-it-is-and-what-to-do-about-it", "name" : "Intimidation at Work: How to Deal with Workplace Bullying", "position" : 4 } ] } ```