The Workplace Bully in 2022 -Welcome to our new series Episode 1. Over the next several weeks, we re-visit a Fiore Group Training “bread and butter” topic; workplace bullying. We have taught thousands of workshops on the subject, which makes it easy to assume the issue is more manageable and even reduced in Canada. But is it? Together let’s explore the latest research, look at specific examples, and how to address the toxic culture. Stay with us and send in your thoughts as we progress. Let’s get to it.

Does a Workplace Bully Still Exist in Canada?

You would think that since the Canadian Labor code first addressed workplace bullying in 2004, twenty-two years ago at the time of this writing, we would have seen a reduction in bullying in 2022 at work. Do we still have a workplace bully at the office, warehouse, or hospital?

Sadly, we do. Of course, before we jump to conclusions, let’s review some of the literature from the last couple of years.

  • OSHA reported that in 2021 in British Columbia alone, they received 3,400 inquiries and 931 specific complaints of bullying in the workplace. (Source)
  • Western University, the University of Toronto, and the Canadian Labour Congress performed a series of surveys and interviews in 2021 to examine all types of workplaces across Canada through surveys and interviews. Specific industries included big business, private sectors, service-oriented businesses, and blue-collar jobs.  An astonishing 70% reported they had experienced workplace bullying in one form or another, with sexual comments and suggestions, and behaviors still rating in the top spot. (Source)
  • In January 2021, the Canadian Labor Code did incorporate workplace harassment into the Canada Labor Code for the first time to “replace the current definitions of violence and sexual harassment, explained Leslie Frattolin, an attorney with DLA Piper in Toronto.” (Source)
  • In April 2022, the federal government announced a new fund (3.5 million annually) called the Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention Fund, designated to educate and provide a safe space for the thousands of Canadians working in federally regulated work environments.

The Workplace Bully Still Exists – Will Funding Change It?

While it is admirable that research and funds are actively employed nationally to address the situation of workplace bullying, it falls short of what is needed.

Unless we all come together to create bully-free work zones, workplace violence in the form of dominating, subjugating, and threatening bullying will continue.

For the next few weeks, we will review, refresh and re-discover some techniques and attitudes that can reform our workplace pain into an environment that supports the rights of individuals to feel safe, if not welcomed, where they live a large portion of their lives.

Topics to Expect in the Series

What does bullying look like in the workplace?

What impact does bullying have on its victims – directly and indirectly?

Can we avoid the “workplace bully” in a social context of unrest?

Does leadership play a significant role, and if so, what?

How to engage and enlist the entire workforce to foster a workplace bully-free environment.

What is Happening in Your Workplace?

We would love to hear about the progress of your company. You can write to me at info@fioregroup.org.  Be assured every email will be read with the utmost respect and confidentiality.