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Bullying is not only in the school yard it is evident in the workplace.
This has real implications for productivity and job satisfaction.
"People in charge, as well as your fellow workers, may use bullying
as a way of exerting their authority or powerlessness. Practical jokes,
offensive comments and physical abuse are all common forms of bullying
which can have a detrimental effect on your health and frame of mind.
You may think that your boss can throw their weight around, but if he or
she does this literally, then its against the law. Recent studies have
shown that the effects of bullying can be very serious with victims even
suffering Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome.
Victims of bullying may suffer from: stress, anxiety, panic
attacks, lack of concentration, insomnia and low self-esteem.
A bully can be your manager, supervisor or a fellow worker. They can
also be male or female with the majority of cases being same sex cases.
Employers too, should not ignore bullying. It is their responsibility to
provide you with a safe and healthy working environment, so the issue
must be addressed. If not, then they could be in breach of Occupational
Health and Safety laws".
A.C.T.U. Occupational Health and Safety. |
Many people are feeling overworked and stressed. The growing
absenteeism and health issues has real impacts on the economy and
society.
"Absenteeism is a major cost to Australian business - estimated at
more than two billion dollars a year - but the cost is even higher in
the Commonwealth public service. Surveys indicate that
absenteeism costs Australian business more than $2 billion a year and
that an average of two point seven per cent of the Australian workforce
was absent on unapproved leave on an average day.
Employees have to cope with technical changes, structural change
within the organisation, and changes in legislation. Because of this,
work performance demands are significant and staff tend to push
themselves to a point where they just cannot take it," she said.
(Researcher Dr Indira Pattni from University of Western Australia's
Graduate School of Management)
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| Workshop participants comments |
| Workshop witness; |
- Very positive, well presented
- Overall I thought the workshop was excellent
- Think it is worthwhile. Feel lighter, more
relaxed
- Fantastic
- Was great and fun way to spend an hour
- Felt happy whole time
- Funny presenter
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| Workshop winners; |
- You can choose to be happy
- Be happy make others happy its free
- Be willing to step outside my comfort zone to be
happy
- To be positive and keep smiling
- Happiness is caring for yourself and other people
- Laughter is fun and need to do it more
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| Workshop wonders; |
- Everyone to bring a joke, homework he he he
- Wearing wigs, making noise, letting go!
- Cheering each other
- Massage!
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