Bullying in the workplace threatens to dismantle not only company culture, but wellbeing. Employing psychometrics to empower individuals may be key in preventing the cycle from ever initiating.

Introduction

Workplace stressors are ever present, whether an upcoming deadline or crucial client meeting, the pressure of work ebbs and flows and is met by our personal resilience. But what happens when this resilience is broken down by workplace bullying? What may have been a previously navigable situation may quickly become impossible as levels of resilience plummet and workplace stressors grow, culminating in a vicious cycle that severs performance, motivation, engagement and most importantly, wellbeing.

In response to Anti-Bullying Week, this article will highlight the impact on both employees and employers, as well as provide real solutions to the issues underlying bullying itself.

The Impact

Mitigating the impact of workplace bullying means embracing early intervention and proactivity. Research by Einarsen et al, indicates prolonged exposure to workplace bullying to be key in predicting mental-ill health up to five years after the event. Proactive monitoring and promotion of employee wellbeing may be instrumental in inhibiting the severe personal impact incurred by workplace bullying.

In terms of organizational impact, the monetary consequences are severe. A report from the Dignity at Work Partnership estimated the cost of bullying in the workplace to be GBP 13.75 billion; with the culmination of sick leave, recruitment costs for staff turnover and decreased productivity contributing to this sum. Despite this, organizational hierarchy may well contribute to the perpetuation of workplace bullying – research from Beale et al indicates that employers often fail to tackle bullying, and instead tolerate it as a means of maintaining control of a workforce.

Overcoming this labyrinth of misconception and overwhelm takes proactive monitoring, strategy and most importantly, objectivity to successfully continue to promote better performance, improved motivation and engagement and rebuild company wellbeing.

Why Use Psychometrics?

By combining machine learning and behavioral economics centred around Nudge Theory, 10x Optimize provides a unique opportunity for individuals to cultivate self-awareness and master their own professional development. Employees are presented with a host of psychometrics including 10x Personality, 10x Motivation and 10x Ability as well as feedback surveys that hone in on employee experience and wellbeing. This data provides ground-breaking real-time insight than can effectively transition workforces towards authentic and lasting change across an organization.

10x Optimize has a unique, dynamic approach that empowers both employers and employees alike to stop the cycle of workplace bullying from every initiating.

Once strengths and motivators have been identified, our psychometric training empowers employees to convey support and drive better performance at a holistic level. This is accomplished by engaging individuals across an organisation with actionable feedback, promoting clarity and improving trusting relations consistently and sustainably.

Breaking a cycle takes initiative – recognising the individuals behind an organization is the first step to unraveling the vicious cycle of workplace bullying.