Workplace bullying in Asia requires urgent action, with Dr Isaac Lim of Anthro Insights highlighting the serious impact it has on employee wellbeing and productivity.
Workplace bullying is a pervasive problem that silently undermines the health and productivity of workers in Asia, calling for urgent action. A recent report from South Korea revealed a shocking number of cases over the past five years, highlighting the alarming scale of the crisis.
Highlighting the harmful effects of bullying, Dr Isaac Lim, founder of Anthro Insights, told HRM Asia: “Workplace bullying has a significant impact on the mental and physical health of both victims and witnesses. It can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and PTSD, as well as physical symptoms such as chronic pain and sleep disorders.”
Moreover, bullying has far-reaching effects, including lower job satisfaction, decreased commitment to the organisation, increased absenteeism and increased intention to leave, Dr Lim emphasised. These findings highlight the importance of addressing bullying in the workplace to safeguard employee wellbeing and maintain a productive work environment, he added.
While many Asian countries have laws addressing harassment in the workplace, specific protections against bullying are often lacking. “Given the inadequacies of the laws, the onus is on employers,” he explained. “Without proactive measures against workplace bullying, organizations foster a toxic environment and risk increased turnover, reputational damage and legal action.”
A clear understanding of workplace bullying is essential for effective prevention and response. Dr Lim distinguishes between workplace incivility and bullying, emphasizing that the latter involves “repeated, deliberate and escalating attacks on an individual's social and professional integrity.” This insidious behavior often exploits power differentials to create a hostile environment with potentially devastating consequences.
To combat this pervasive problem, Dr Lim urged organisations to establish a strong anti-bullying framework, which includes having clear policies, providing comprehensive training for employees and managers, and fostering a psychologically safe work environment where employees feel free to speak up.
When bullying occurs, swift and decisive action is essential. He stressed the importance of thorough investigations, fair resolutions and comprehensive support for victims. Holding perpetrators accountable through appropriate disciplinary measures is equally important to deter future incidents.
Bystander empowerment is another key element of a comprehensive anti-bullying strategy. By training employees how to safely intervene, organizations can foster a culture of collective responsibility. Additionally, fostering open communication and providing anonymous reporting channels allows employees to voice their concerns without fear of retaliation.
Read more: Growing burnout crisis in Singapore workplaces
Senior management plays a pivotal role in creating a bullying-free workplace. Dr Lim emphasised the importance of leadership commitment in setting the tone for organisations. By demonstrating a genuine commitment to employee wellbeing and fostering a culture of respect, leaders can drive positive change.
“A bullying-free workplace has huge benefits for employee engagement, retention and the overall success of an organisation. The business reasons are clear, but organisations should choose to do what's right for their employees – not just because it makes business sense, but because it's the right thing to do,” he concluded.
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