Workplace bullying defined

The WBI definition: workplace bullying is repeated, health-harming mistreatment by one or more employees of an employee: abusive conduct that takes the form of verbal abuse; or behaviors perceived as threatening, intimidating, or humiliating; work sabotage; or in some combination of the above.

It was originally called “mobbing” in Sweden by the international pioneer, Heinz Leymann. The British reporter-turned-advocate Andrea Adams coined the term workplace bullying. The Namies imported the term to the U.S.

Abuse at work is the only form of abuse in America that is not yet taboo. All other forms have been condemned – abuse of children, spouses, partners – while bullying at work is still considered a normal, inevitable or even a necessary business practice.

Abuse is unconscionable. Visit WBI Tutorials to learn all about it.

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Andy Regal's Summit on Workplace Bullying
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2024 WBI U.S. Workplace Bullying Survey
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How normalized has workplace
bullying become?

0%
of adult Americans are bullied at work
0
million workers affected
0
of bullying is same-gender bullying
0%
of remote workers are bullied

WBI Services and Resources

Unrivaled U.S. experience and expertise. Over a quarter century of wisdom harnessed to help you.

Since 1997, the Workplace Bullying Institute has led the charge with comprehensive, evidence-based, practical solutions for individuals, unions, employers, & lawmakers. The pioneers were Drs. Ruth and Gary Namie. It was Ruth’s personal experience in a psychiatry clinic with a woman bully boss that launched the U.S. movement.

WBI Research

See results of the 2024 WBI U.S. Workplace Bullying Survey. 2024 WBI U.S. Workplace Bullying Survey was funded by gracious donors like you.

The National Survey

2024 U.S. Workplace Bullying Survey

Major Sponsor

NAGE-SEIU

David J. Holway, President

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Freedom Week started here at WBI.

Visit the FW page for action ideas.

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International Workplace Bullying Awareness Week

Visit The Canadian Institute of Workplace Bullying Resources

International Workplace Bullying Awareness Week 2024