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Workplace bullying in NHS community trust: staff questionnaire survey

British Medical Journal, Jan 23, 1999 by Lyn Quine

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The survey achieved a 70% response rate, which is highly satisfactory for studies of this kind.[27] Checks indicated that the sample matched the profile of the trust adequately, minimising potential bias resulting from non-response. The Health and Safety Executive acknowledge in their guide Stress at Work[28] that bullying is a workplace risk and advise that employers should have effective systems for dealing with interpersonal conflict, bullying, and racial and sexual harassment, including agreed grievance procedures and proper investigation of complaints. The results of this study indicate that providing a positive work environment with appropriate attention to staff support structures may be an additional way to protect people's health and welfare.

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Key messages

* 38% of staff in a community NHS trust reported being subjected to bullying behaviours in the workplace in the previous year and 42% had witnessed the bullying of others

* Staff who had been bullied had lower levels of job satisfaction and higher levels of job induced stress, depression, anxiety, and intention to leave

* Support at work may be able to protect people from some of the damaging effects of bullying

* Employers should have policies and procedures that comprehensively address the issue of workplace bullying

Contributors: LQ is the sole contributor.

Funding: The study was supported by a grant from the NHS trust that commissioned the research.

Conflict of interest: None.

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Health Care Industry

Workplace bullying in NHS community trust: staff questionnaire survey

British Medical Journal, Jan 23, 1999 by Lyn Quine

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