Workplace Abuse: Problems And Consequences

Abstract

Workplace abuse is a relatively recent phenomenon that affects millions of employee in all types of organizations and occupations. Most of the literature on workplace management deals with employment discrimination and due process. Workplace issues of emotional abuse inflicted on employees by supervisors or managers are seldom addressed. An organization becomes abusive when it permits or tolerates abusive employee treatment by supervisors or managers. In the news each day, the media regularly report on violence facing society such as child, domestic, or elderly abuse. However, workplace abuse is rarely mentioned. As more employees become emotionally and even physically ill as a direct result of the work they do, some employers are examining their workplace management practices. The level of workplace stress has been recently intensified by economic downturn, massive layoffs, mergers, and restructuring. Many organizations worldwide have been forced to cut jobs, resulting in dramatic increase in workplace stress and abuse. This article identifies workplace abuse as an emerging organizational issue by focusing on the problems and consequences for management, employees, and their families. It also provides ideas on how to maintain a healthy workplace.