Workplace Intimidation Defined

Workplace intimidation, also known as workplace bullying, occurs when a superior, peer or subordinate uses violence or blackmail to manipulate you or intentionally creates feelings of fear, inadequacy or awe.

Workplace intimidation includes illegal sexual harassment and discrimination, but is not limited to illegal behavior.                            `                            ``     

When people (nurses included) are afraid of intimidation such as harassment, even losing their jobs, they will do whatever is required to meet the boss’s explicit expectations. But there are caveats:

Despite recent attention which has been drawn to the importance of speaking out, often we hear from nurses facing difficulties of fear and intimidation. If this damaging culture of fear existing today among nurses is to end, then we must be able to encourage ourselves to speak out safely without fear of reprisal.

Interactions	·         Withholding information
	·         Posting documentation errors on bulletin boards for all disciplines to view and others to critique
	·         Intimidating others by threats of disciplinary procedures
	·         Writing critical and abusive letters or notes to co-workers
	·         Verbalizing harsh innuendos and criticism
	·         Using hand gestures to ward off conversation.
	·         Rolling eyes in disgust
	·         Having personal values and beliefs undermined
Power Disparities	·         Using shift/weekend charge positions to direct/control staff assignments/breaks
	·         Controlling co-workers’ behavior by reporting them to their supervisors for perceived lack of productivity and assistance
	·         Placing others under pressure to produce work and meet impossible deadlines
	·         Withholding knowledge of policies and procedures to get co-workers in trouble
	·         Using shift/weekend charge positions to direct/control staff assignments/breaks
Actions	·         Yelling at co-workers.
	·         Demanding co-workers answer the telephone, NOW!
	·         Refusing to mentor and guide new staff in their practice
	·         Refusing to help those who struggle with the unknown and uncertainty
	·         Refusing to help others in need of assistance
	·         Giving public reminders of incomplete/missed documentation or work

Whether it is responding to opinion in public domain, nursing blog, whistle blowing, expressing views in a nursing forum- nurses still 'fear' for repercussions that may follow

There are occasions where nurses have been bullied, ostracised or belittled when for trying to raise concerns even on behalf of their patients

Even if he is the owner, the workplace bully, does not act in the best interests of by bullying others. In some cases the bullied may come to believe that he/she is to blame for the way you are treated.

Consequences of fear and intimidation

Putting patient safety at risk

A key lessons from the Francis report was that front line staff must feel confident to raise concerns about patient safety without fear of reprisals Nursing staff want to provide excellent care, but sometimes the systems they work in do not allow this. Staff know what is safe for their patients and what is not.

Physical strain. Victims of bullying may show symptoms of stress-related illnesses syndromes such as nausea, headache, weight loss, insomnia, anxiety, depression, alcoholism, irritability, loss of libido, self. They may experience depression, high blood pressure or substance abuse problems and even have trouble sleeping at night and waking up in the morning. In extreme cases, workplace intimidation can lead to suicide.

 Decreased productivity

Employees managed via intimidation are often fearful at work and fail to meet expectations. Overall, Workplace intimidation is often lower productivity by decreasing staff morale and increasing internal frictions in the organization

 Isolation In an attempt to make the injured party feel inadequate, bullies may isolate their victim and created a climate of fear. The staff being bullied imagines the whole world against him…and feels totally isolated

Prevention

Managers are responsible for this. The question is, how does your manager create and maintain an inclusive environment where employees feel valued and respected.

Respect for subordinates is the most effective ways for a manager to prevent workplace bullying. This promotes culture of mutual respect within the organization. The manager should encourage team members to speak out if whether a victim or an observer of it. 

Organization policies against workplace intimidation can help, although least likely to be effective against subtle forms of intimidation. As a potential victim an employee should be able confront the bully whenever it does happen.

Inadequate training

Many nurse managers lack skills, training, and knowledge on how to deal with bullying events, and that complaints of bullying often go unnoticed or ignored.

Legal Options

Unfortunately, even obvious types of intimidation are difficult to litigate unless they amount to sexual harassment or illegal discrimination. It is often almost impossible and therefore prosecute, and therefore people who use intimidation and bullying tactics in the workplace usually get away with the abuse. Victims should always maintain a file of what is happening to them as evidence of occurrence may be required in the future.