Workplace Bullying Statistics: Latest Data & Summary

Last Edited: April 23, 2024

Highlights: The Most Important Statistics

  • 19% of U.S. workers report being bullied at work, either currently or at some point in their career.
  • Women are targeted by workplace bullies more frequently (60%) than men.
  • 40% of individuals targeted by a bully experience stress-related health complications.
  • 30% of bullied victims suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.
  • 20% of workplace bullying cases cross the line into harassment.
  • About 29% of workers who experience bullying remain silent about their experiences.
  • 65% of employees who reported being bullied left their jobs eventually.
  • In Australia, workplace bullying is said to cost businesses up to AUD$36 billion annually in lost productivity.
  • Approximately 1 in 5 (21%) of cases reported in UK workplaces are related to bullying and harassment.
  • In Canada, 47% of Canadian workers have experienced workplace harassment at some point in their career.
  • 56% of bullying incidents reported in the workplace involved repeated harassment.
  • Approximately 75% of employees impacted by workplace bullying suffer from anxiety concerning their work environment.
  • Organizations with higher rates of workplace bullying have a 52% higher rate of job turnover.
  • Ethnic minorities are 50% more likely to experience workplace bullying than their white colleagues.
  • 33% of instances of workplace bullying go unreported because victims fear retaliation.

The Latest Workplace Bullying Statistics Explained

19% of U.S. workers report being bullied at work, either currently or at some point in their career.

The statistic states that 19% of U.S. workers have experienced workplace bullying either currently or at some point during their careers. Workplace bullying refers to repeated mistreatment, offensive behavior, or harassment directed at an individual or group of employees. This statistic highlights a concerning prevalence of bullying in the U.S. workforce, which can have detrimental effects on the well-being, job satisfaction, and productivity of those affected. Employers and policymakers should prioritize creating and enforcing policies that prevent and address workplace bullying to foster a safe and healthy work environment for all employees.

Women are targeted by workplace bullies more frequently (60%) than men.

The statistic indicates that women are more likely to be targeted by workplace bullies compared to men, with a frequency rate of 60%. This suggests that gender plays a significant role in workplace bullying dynamics, with women experiencing a higher prevalence of bullying behavior directed towards them. Possible explanations for this disparity could include gender stereotypes, power imbalances in the workplace, and ingrained cultural norms that contribute to the victimization of women. Addressing this issue is crucial for creating a workplace environment that is safe, respectful, and inclusive for all employees, regardless of their gender.

40% of individuals targeted by a bully experience stress-related health complications.

This statistic indicates that 40% of individuals who are targeted by a bully, whether in schools, workplaces, or elsewhere, report experiencing stress-related health complications as a result of the bullying behavior. Stress-related health complications can manifest in various ways, such as increased anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, physical ailments like headaches or digestive issues, and even more severe conditions like hypertension or heart disease. The statistic highlights the damaging impact that bullying can have on the well-being of individuals, emphasizing the need for intervention and support to address both the bullying behavior and the resulting health consequences among those affected.

30% of bullied victims suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.

The statistic “30% of bullied victims suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder” indicates that a significant portion of individuals who have experienced bullying exhibit symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after a person has been exposed to a traumatic event, such as bullying. Symptoms of PTSD can include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and avoidance of triggers that are reminders of the traumatic experience. The high prevalence of PTSD among bullied victims highlights the profound impact that bullying can have on mental health and underscores the importance of addressing and preventing bullying in order to support the well-being of individuals who have been affected by it.

20% of workplace bullying cases cross the line into harassment.

The statistic indicates that out of all reported workplace bullying cases, 20% of them escalate to the point of harassment. Workplace bullying refers to repeated mistreatment or abusive behavior towards an individual within an organization, whereas harassment involves behaviors that create a hostile or abusive work environment based on characteristics such as race, gender, or disability. The statistic suggests that a notable portion of workplace bullying incidents exhibit behaviors that are severe and pervasive enough to be classified as harassment, highlighting the serious nature and potential legal implications of such behavior in the workplace. Organizations need to take proactive measures to address and prevent workplace bullying to reduce the risk of it escalating into harassment, protecting the well-being and rights of their employees.

About 29% of workers who experience bullying remain silent about their experiences.

The statistic that about 29% of workers who experience bullying remain silent about their experiences indicates a significant proportion of individuals affected by workplace bullying choose not to report or speak up about their situation. This can have several implications for both the individual and the organization, including potential negative effects on mental health and well-being, decreased productivity, and an unhealthy work environment. It also highlights potential shortcomings in organizational support systems or fear of retaliation that may prevent victims from seeking help or addressing the issue. Addressing this statistic requires creating a culture of open communication, support, and zero-tolerance for bullying in the workplace to ensure the well-being and safety of all employees.

65% of employees who reported being bullied left their jobs eventually.

The statistic ‘65% of employees who reported being bullied left their jobs eventually’ indicates the significant impact that workplace bullying can have on employee retention. This finding suggests that a substantial majority of employees who were victims of bullying decided to leave their jobs in response to the mistreatment they experienced. Workplace bullying can create a toxic and unhealthy work environment, leading to decreased job satisfaction, increased stress levels, and diminished overall well-being for those affected. The high proportion of bullied employees leaving their jobs highlights the critical need for employers to address and prevent workplace bullying to cultivate a safe, respectful, and supportive work environment that promotes employee retention and well-being.

In Australia, workplace bullying is said to cost businesses up to AUD$36 billion annually in lost productivity.

The statistic that workplace bullying in Australia costs businesses up to AUD$36 billion annually in lost productivity highlights the significant impact of this issue on the economy. Workplace bullying can lead to decreased employee morale, increased turnover rates, higher absenteeism, and reduced productivity levels among affected employees. These negative consequences not only harm the well-being of employees but also result in substantial financial losses for businesses through decreased efficiency and output. Addressing workplace bullying through policies, education, and support systems can help mitigate these costs and create a healthier work environment that fosters productivity and employee satisfaction.

Approximately 1 in 5 (21%) of cases reported in UK workplaces are related to bullying and harassment.

This statistic suggests that a significant proportion of reported cases in UK workplaces involve bullying and harassment, with approximately 1 in 5 cases (equivalent to 21%) falling under this category. This highlights the prevalence and seriousness of workplace bullying and harassment issues in the UK, underscoring the need for organizations to address and combat such behaviors. Employers should prioritize creating a positive and respectful work environment to prevent and effectively handle instances of bullying and harassment, as these behaviors not only negatively impact individual well-being and job satisfaction but also have broader implications for organizational culture and productivity.

In Canada, 47% of Canadian workers have experienced workplace harassment at some point in their career.

The statistic indicates that nearly half of Canadian workers have encountered workplace harassment at some stage during their professional life. This points to a significant prevalence of harassment in Canadian workplaces, highlighting a concerning issue that can have detrimental effects on individuals’ well-being, job satisfaction, and overall work environment. Workplace harassment can take various forms, including discrimination, bullying, verbal abuse, and sexual harassment, among others. The statistic underscores the importance of creating a safe and respectful work environment, implementing effective policies and procedures to address and prevent harassment, and providing training and support for employees to promote a healthy workplace culture.

56% of bullying incidents reported in the workplace involved repeated harassment.

The statistic ‘56% of bullying incidents reported in the workplace involved repeated harassment’ indicates that more than half of the reported incidents of bullying in the workplace consisted of ongoing and persistent harassment rather than isolated incidents. This suggests a pattern of behavior where the bullying behavior is recurring and could have a significant impact on the targeted individual’s well-being and work environment. Recognizing this pattern is essential for organizations to address workplace bullying effectively, implement appropriate policies to prevent such behavior, and create a supportive and safe work environment for all employees.

Approximately 75% of employees impacted by workplace bullying suffer from anxiety concerning their work environment.

The statistic indicates that a significant proportion, around 75%, of employees who are affected by workplace bullying experience anxiety related to their work environment. This finding underscores the detrimental impact that workplace bullying can have on employees’ mental well-being and job satisfaction. Anxiety in the workplace can lead to decreased productivity, impaired concentration, and increased absenteeism, ultimately affecting both the individual’s professional performance and overall organizational wellbeing. As a result, addressing and preventing workplace bullying is crucial not only for promoting a healthy work environment but also for ensuring the psychological welfare of employees.

Organizations with higher rates of workplace bullying have a 52% higher rate of job turnover.

The statistic indicates that there is a strong positive association between workplace bullying and job turnover within organizations. Specifically, organizations with higher rates of workplace bullying, where employees experience various forms of mistreatment, harassment, or aggression in the workplace, are 52% more likely to see their employees leave their jobs compared to organizations with lower rates of workplace bullying. This suggests that workplace bullying not only creates a toxic work environment that negatively impacts employee well-being, morale, and job satisfaction but also leads to higher levels of employee turnover, which can have detrimental effects on the organization’s productivity, reputation, and overall success. Addressing and reducing workplace bullying behaviors within organizations is crucial in promoting a healthy workplace culture and retaining talented employees.

Ethnic minorities are 50% more likely to experience workplace bullying than their white colleagues.

This statistic indicates that individuals from ethnic minority groups are at a significantly higher risk of experiencing workplace bullying compared to their white counterparts, with a 50% increased likelihood. Workplace bullying can take various forms, including verbal abuse, exclusion, intimidation, and stereotyping, and it can have detrimental effects on the well-being and productivity of the affected employees. The disparity in bullying rates between ethnic minorities and white employees may be influenced by factors such as implicit bias, cultural differences, lack of representation and inclusion in the workplace, and power dynamics. Addressing these underlying issues through promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, enforcing anti-bullying policies, providing training on respectful workplace behavior, and fostering a culture of respect and belonging can help reduce the prevalence of workplace bullying among all employees.

33% of instances of workplace bullying go unreported because victims fear retaliation.

The statistic that 33% of instances of workplace bullying go unreported due to fear of retaliation highlights a concerning issue in many work environments. This statistic suggests that a significant portion of bullying incidents in the workplace are not being properly addressed or addressed at all, potentially leading to ongoing harm to the victims and a toxic work culture. Fear of retaliation can have a silencing effect on employees, preventing them from speaking up about their experiences and seeking help or intervention. This statistic underscores the importance of creating a safe and supportive work environment where employees feel empowered to report incidents of bullying without fear of reprisal, and where effective policies and procedures are in place to address such behavior.

References

0. – https://www.smh.com.au

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2. – https://www.anxiety.org

3. – https://www.forbes.com

4. – https://www.peoplemanagement.co.uk

5. – https://www.healthline.com

6. – https://www.theglobeandmail.com

7. – https://www.eeoc.gov

8. – https://www.pbs.org

9. – https://www.monster.com

10. – https://www.shrm.org

11. – https://www.psychologytoday.com

12. – https://www.huffpost.com

About The Author

Jannik is the Co-Founder of WifiTalents and has been working in the digital space since 2016.

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