Hi All

Have any of you experienced bullying in the work place? 

Statistics show that 1 in 4 experience it during their working life.  

Social work, nursing and teachers seem to be the worst  careers in which bullying exists.

I was wondering what other people have come across.

Stay Safe, Be Happy 

Shellie

 Hi Shellie

 We've had quite a few letters in Com Care over the past few weeks about bullying - it seems to be a growing problem in social work. We did a feature on it a few months back and Red Keith did a blog on it too. I wonder if it's any more prevalent in social work than in other jobs? My theory is that the pressure and dynamics of certain jobs turn potential bullies into actual ones.

Hi Shellie,

Ironic isn't it that the caring professions are seemingly the most beset by bullying?

It seems social work, like other public service professions, exists in an environment where caring for employees (see our poll on long hours) is a particularly low priority, compared to (rightly) serving users well and spending taxpayers' money wisely, and (wrongly) wringing out efficiency savings where they don't exist and getting tough on public sector pay in the name of inflation.

Are councils and other social work employers doing enough to tackle bullying?  

Hi Simone and Mithran

Thank you for your swift responses.  When I realised I was a target for bullying I was quite shocked and found myself making excuses for other peoples behaviour.  We are trained to practice in an anti-oppressive manner and treat all people with respect no matter what their personal circumstances only to find that the very people who are given licence (sp) to intervene in vulnerable peoples lives find it difficult to embrace individual difference within their own team and feel justified in 'bullying' tactics and behaviour.  I have spent considerable time looking at myself and my part in all this and I believe that just me being conscientious and diligent has worked against me.   I actively try to 'get on the right side of people' but have failed miserably.  On discussing with my line manager and service manager I have only sought to make the situation worst.  Collectively we formulated a plan for change .......... but ultimately my grievances were ignored and I was left to feel it was me with the 'issues'.  I am receiving other support from several sources and I endeavour to be productive and effective whilst a member of this team but I will be seeking employment elsewhere. 

Thanks again for your responses

Shellie   

Thanks Shellie and sorry for all you've been through. What a deeply depressing story!

It does seem extraordinary that core social work values can go out the window for some people in dealing with colleagues or people whom they manage.

I hope you find a much happier employment experience in your next position.

Thank you Mithran

I am keeping my head down, working hard and exploring my options.  Re: - my current work situation, I have been pro-active in trying to facilitate change but have only served to make things worse (people don't like whistle blowers).  I know I have a lot to offer and intend to find a post where I will be appriciated for what I can bring to a team ... both profesionally and personally. 

Bye for now and have a good day.

Shellie

As  a Locum, I was bullied by Managers because I earned more than them. My Colleagues put a block on any training I needed because they felt agency workers should not be funded. My work load was always complex than others and the ADP by the LA were just paper words even when I complained. So, I just put up with it because our own profession is disciminative inwardly, so what hope for clients/service users?

 Hi kara

You make a good point. If there is so much bullying going on within social work it does make you wonder. It really seems a widespread problem.

Yes well I can honestly say that I've been bullied. In fact bullied out of the job. Fortunately I was two years from retirement so was able to 'drop out'. I gave my notice when I was on sick leave due to depression and when a manager came to collect computer, phone etc. as she was putting the stuff in the back of her car she said, "Pity we couldn't help you, but then, I suppose nobody can!" made me feel good as I was crunching my anti-depressants.

It seems very sad that you have had to leave your chosen profession at a time when your contribution should have been celebrated because of bullying.  I hope you have now recovered.

Thanks Shellie,

I've had a very varied career in one way or/and another. Since retirement (?) I've been involved in training in POVA, Dementia, MCA and Safeguarding children so in lots of ways my early departure not only deprived me of some good colleagues in a career I quite enjoyed in a masochistic sort of way, it enhanced my self worth and allowed me to share my experience with others.

Incidently, I left with expenses/mileage etc. still due and I'm still waiting two years later and nary a letter of thanks, goodbye or even good riddance. After all that I still believe that Social Work was the best bit of my career

Regards

Hi,   Im new to this site but Im finding it very interesting.

I have been targeted by a work place bully after blowing the whistle on her bullying an individual with learning disabilities along with another meber of staff.

I repeatedly reported it to management and although they (allegedly) spoke to her it continued for about 4 months.

I then became ill and was off work for about 4 mths and am now out of a job.

I have , however, looked into the situation and am prepared to take them to an employment tribual if necessary.

Ive got nothing to lose.

I dont want to see this person lose her job but I want to ensure that not only future employees are protected but also that the individuals we are paid to care for are protected from people like this.

Hi Anne

Thanks for posting your message and welcome to the forum. I'm really suprised how much reaction we are getting to this particular thread - it seems there's so many people out there experiencing bullying.

Bullying in the workplace is very common. Lots of Social Workers had to leave their jobs  in the best interest of their health . Many are off sick suffering from stress. When the employers satisfied themselves that the workers have lost their confidence, they  tell the worker that they are not doing enough work and take them to competency. I know of 2 workers who was taken out of their jobs  and was made to sit and do nothing  so that they can get fed up and leave . workers had to be pensioned off due to  ill health caused by stress.

I think the treatment of  social workers needs to be investegated,  failure to do so will result in  a drain on the profession