The Bully Epidemic
Workplace bullying is an epidemic--at least according to a survey conducted by the Workplace Bullying Institute (WBI). That survey found that 37% of American workers (54 million people) have been bullied at work and workplace bullying affects half (49%) of adult American workers.
Although bullying often leads to high turnover and poor productivity, many employers have ignored the problem. In fact, according to the WBI’s survey, employers respond to reports of workplace bullying by ignoring the problem or making it worse 62% of the time.
But now, employers who ignore this problem risk more than high turnover--they could be subject to liability. Last year, the Indiana Supreme Court affirmed a $325,000 jury award in a workplace bullying case. Moreover, there is a growing trend among states t
o address workplace bullying by introducing healthy workplace legislation. Numerous states, including California, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Vermont, have considered such legislation.
In light of these developments, prudent employers will take steps to address the growing epidemic of workplace bullying. This seminar will help employers do just that.
Learning Objectives:
- Help employers understand and recognize workplace bullying;
- Explain recent legislation aimed at workplace bullying;
- Explain potential liability for workplace bullying under the common law; and
- Provide practical steps employers can take to address this issue.
BIO: Mark A. Gow
Mark Gow is currently the Director of HR for IAP World Services in Cape Canaveral, Fl. IAPWS is a government contractor with over $1.2B a year in revenue and over 5000 employees throughout the world. As HR Director, Mark is responsible for the Base Operations Support Services line of as well as the IAP Center of Excellence for Labor Relations.
Prior to joining IAP Mark spent 6 years as the Director of Benefits and Compensation for Johnson Controls World Services and 16 years with Lockheed Martin Corporation in a variety of HR positions including the Manager of Compensation, Benefits & Systems for the Space Shuttle Processing Contract at the Kennedy Space Center.
Mr. Gow received an undergraduate degree (summa cum laude) in Human Resource Administration from St. Leo College and an MS in Human Resources and Organizational Development (with Highest Honors) from Chapman College. He is a certified Senior Professional in HR by the Society of Human Resource Management and was the recipient of the 2007 EBN Benny Award for the Benefit Professional of the Year. He is currently writing a book on workplace productivity titled “Fearless Leadership” scheduled to be released in early 2010.
