Workplace bullying is increasing in Yellowknife, Jessica Bruhn told Yellowknifer.

ItSA国际影视传媒檚 been a constant issue sheSA国际影视传媒檚 seen in her work as a psychotherapist since she moved in Yellowknife four years ago, she says.

Simply put, SA国际影视传媒淎dult bullying is an insecurity of one adult being projected onto other adults,SA国际影视传媒� said Bruhn.

SA国际影视传媒淯sually it takes the form of hierarchical enforcement and prestige enforcement SA国际影视传媒� like micromanaging, ignoring valid issues, complaints, or requests for help in problem-solving an issue, instead zeroing in on an employeeSA国际影视传媒檚 work unrelated to the issue or problem,SA国际影视传媒�

Bruhn described workplace bullying as very common and increasing due to SA国际影视传媒減andemic fatigue.SA国际影视传媒�

SA国际影视传媒淒ue to the pandemic, people are experiencing entrapment in their positions, and to compensate for other workersSA国际影视传媒� leaving. Being asked to do more and more with few training or supported supervision opportunities to ensure competence and confidence in employees performing new skills leaves them with a sense of helplessness.SA国际影视传媒�

She said that people in high positions SA国际影视传媒� even if they are bullies SA国际影视传媒� tend to keep them due to high staff turnover.

SA国际影视传媒淭he ones that get promoted stay promoted, and often continue in their positions without much oversight. They remain unchallenged because there is no one to replace them.SA国际影视传媒�

According to the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission, bullying falls under harassment.

SA国际影视传媒淗arassment can include behaviours such as bullying, intimidation, humiliation, offensive jokes, and racial slurs or commentsSA国际影视传媒� as stated on their website.

SEE:

In 2021, the Canadian government applied new regulations to protect employees in federally regulated workplaces from harassment and violence in the workplace, noting employers must shield their workers from emotional not just physical threats.

This followed a Statistics Canada 2018 report that found approximately 19 per cent of women and 13 per cent of men had experienced harassment in the workplace in Canada.

Brauhn encourages victims of workplace bullying to start by taking their issue to their workplaceSA国际影视传媒檚 human resource (HR) department.

SA国际影视传媒淓very place has their own unique policies. HR departments have a procedure with verbal directions, then written warnings,SA国际影视传媒� she said.

Even so, Bruhn says the process can take a while, SA国际影视传媒渆specially if the manager in question is well-established.SA国际影视传媒�

SEE: CounsellorSA国际影视传媒檚 Corner: on leadership

HR departments donSA国际影视传媒檛 always favour the employee Bruhn warned.

SA国际影视传媒淗R has a vested interested to back the employer.SA国际影视传媒�

But, there are other avenue for recourse. Even speaking with a counsellor online can ease some of the related anxiety.

SA国际影视传媒淥ftentimes people get a sense of relief or validation not only by HR but through going to the union shop steward, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) counselling, support groups online or over the phone.

SA国际影视传媒淭hey get the sense, [theySA国际影视传媒檙e] not the only one.SA国际影视传媒�