A study by bBrave, commissioned with the support of PwC Malta, unveils alarming workplace bullying statistics, revealing that 40% of workers have experienced bullying in various forms.
The study, combining quantitative and qualitative methodologies, engaged over 2,400 participants in a national online survey and conducted 10 focus groups, shedding light on the pervasive issue of workplace bullying.
Notably, 64% of workers believe bullying is present in their workplace, with 56% having witnessed instances and 40% personally experiencing it.
The study emphasizes that bullying extends beyond stereotypes, affecting individuals across diverse contexts.
Psychological and emotional bullying constituted 80% of reported cases, with reasons ranging from work-related issues (69%) to discrimination based on disability (55%), social class (22%), body appearance (15%), and age (22%). Women (43%) were more likely to be bullied than men (38%), and 58% of participants in Gozo reported instances.
The repercussions of bullying are profound, impacting mental health, with 9% reporting self-harm or suicidal thoughts, 73% experiencing increased stress, and 58% suffering mental health consequences.
Economic implications include reduced work engagement (45%), decreased focus (37%), reduced productivity (33%), and increased absenteeism (23%).
Concerningly, only 42% of bullying cases are reported, with 50% of victims fearing repercussions. Of the reported cases, only 4% were handled well, emphasizing the need for robust anti-bullying legislation, national awareness campaigns, and enhanced reporting resources.
Workplace recommendations include the implementation of anti-bullying policies, prioritizing employee well-being, and providing training on handling such situations.
This Project is co-financed by the European Social Fund of the European Union under the Operational Programme II – European Structural and Investment Funds 2014-2020.
This Project is co-financed through the NGO Co-Financing Fund (NCF) managed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS) supported by the Ministry for Inclusion, Voluntary Organisations and Consumer Rights (MIVC).
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