VOX POPS - Newstory

THE WORKPLACE; THE NEW PLAYGROUND

BY: YOLANDA THABETHE

 IMAGE OF MICHAEL NXUMALO, 31, AN ACCOUNTANT FROM

WONDERBOOM

One can argue that one's work days should be exciting, a learning experience as well as tiring time whether you just started a new job or have been working for a long time. But what can make people's lives difficult during this journey, is bullying.

When it comes to bullying, it is unfortunate that anyone can be a victim or be the bully regardless of the role the play in the workplace. Bullying in the workplace can be considered seen as uncommon as it may not always be openly hostile depending on the type of environment, setting or structure of the workplace. Workplace bullying can be classified into verbal, physical, social or psychological abuse from either colleagues, the employer, management or yourself.

Examples of workplace bullying are when one undermines the work of others in front of other colleagues or the employer, or management. Spreading rumours and gossiping about a colleague or employer either through social media or small chichat around the workplace. Getting physical or threatening physical abuse. Excluding or ignoring others purposefully. Acting aggressive towards others. Devaluing other peoples opinions and lastly invading people's privacy.

According to the World Health Organisation ( WHO) 78% of South African labour  force has been bullied one time or another in their working career. Section(6) of the Employment Act Equity 55 of 1998. It states, (1) No person may unfairly discriminate , directly or indirect , against an employee, in any employment policy or practice, on to one or more grounds including race, gender, sex, pregnancy, marital status, family responsibility, ethnic or social orginI, colour, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, HIV status, conscience, belief, culture, political opinion, language and birth. (2)  It is not unfair to discriminate, take affirmation action measures consistent with the purpose of this Act. Distinguish exclude or prefer a person on the basis of an inherent requirement of a job. (3) Harassment of an employee is a form of  unfair discrimination listed in subsection (1).

Michael Nxumalo, 31, an accountant from Wonderboom, said: " I have been a victim of workplace bullying in the past as I was employed a company which usually does

not consider people that a fresh off university because of no work experience. So I was the youngest of my colleagues and I would be excluded on voicing out my opinionso and unfairly criticised on how i did my work."

Sphamandla Mncube, 35, a bank teller or consultant from Eersterust described his overall bullying experience in the workplace as testing his patience and being able to not to lose him entirely rather he focused on why he chose to be in  that specific market of employment.

Experiencing bullying in the workplace may have a variety of effects onself. Health risks include mood changes unexpectedly, high blood pressure, stress and lastly panic attacks. Sleepless nights; duration of sleep is  shorter. Work performance evident as loss of interest in their job, absenteeism, difficulty concentrating and not being productive. On the other hand for those who witness the bullying, the work environment starts to feel unsafe.

Addressing bullying in the workplace will not come as a challenge. One could take notes or record the information or incidents as this may serve as evidence when an investigation is conducted. Limit interactions by trying to be as far away from the bully as possible. Confront them to stop the behaviour even if it is unintentional. Report; you could write an email to the HR department  addressing the issue as the company would take further decisions about the matter.

We are all working and professional adults. We should not let our childhood traumas get the better of us. Spread positivity as in most cases the workplace is an escape or  be considered a safe place for those we are experiencing abuse at home from family or partners. Remember to be the bigger person and realise you were wrong and apologise.

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REFERENCE

www.grammarly.com/blog/news-article

The people factor magazine- Bullying in the workplace BY SABPP Magazine A dministrator, February 27 2022

https://www.psychologytoday.come. za