For
Immediate Release
Office
Bullies:
Strong-Arm Tactics and Social Media Contribute to Alarming Workplace
Trends
The “Cease &
Desist Letter”: A Proven Tool for Dealing With Intimidation and
Harassment in the Workplace and Beyond
DETROIT (October
18, 2011) - Workplace bullying: it's a hot topic in the media
right now. Unfortunately, it is becoming more prevalent than ever
before - tactics can range from the covert (behind-the-back sniping)
to the blatant (public humiliation or even physical abuse). What's
more, with the advent and surge of social media tools, these
disturbing tactics often are often perpetrated online for the world
to see, both during and after employment.
Regardless of the
technique, bullying is unquestionably harmful, often producing
distressing consequences. Victims of bullying report decreased
workplace productivity, loss of confidence, debilitating anxiety,
panic attacks, clinical depression and even physical illnesses.
Simply removing
yourself from the job is not always the answer, as the abuse can and
often does continue after employment and during the reference
checking process for a new position. “A large number
of the references we check are in response to workplace bullying”,
says Jeff Shane, Vice President of Allison
& Taylor Reference Checking, a firm that offers
“Cease
and Desist” letters to stop the bullying. “People
are feeling the pressure of persecution in the workplace. They're
also worried that should they seek other employment, the negative
feedback they are receiving in their current job will carry over and
affect their ability to get a new job.”
At issue for most
employees: management or supervisors are the most common offenders.
This translates to particular difficulty for an employee; since the
perpetrators are often operating within the realm of “standard
practices” in their organizations, victims often feel that they may
deserve the criticisms, or are simply too embarrassed, hesitant or
fearful to confront the harasser.
So what are the
options if you feel you have been the victim of unwarranted
harassment or criticism? “First, try speaking directly to the
bully. If an honest, calm discussion does not resolve the issue, then
an employee has to consider other options.” says Shane. “If an
employee's concerns are brushed aside or ignored completely, they
need to consider taking more assertive action.”
“The dilemma of
workplace bullying is often made worse by the feeling that nothing
can be done to resolve it,” says Shane, “but this is simply not
true. An employee definitely can, and should, take proactive steps to
improve or protect their employment situation.”
Allison
& Taylor Reference Checking provides a service
whereby an employee can find out exactly what someone is saying about
them, both personally and in regard to their work performance. If a
workplace bully is speaking out of turn when responding to an
employment inquiry, employees can exercise the option of a Cease
& Desist letter or pursue more substantive legal
action. Such tools will help ensure that the transgressor will stop
their actions out of fear of corporate reprisal.
To find out more
about workplace bullying and the steps you can take to prevent or
eliminate it, please visit Allison
& Taylor Reference Checking.
###
About Allison &
Taylor:
Allison
& Taylor and its principals have been in the
business of checking references for corporations and individuals
since 1984. Allison
& Taylor is headquartered in Rochester, Mich. For
further details on services and procedures please visit
http://www.allisontaylor.com/.
Allison &
Taylor -- Find
us on Facebook! Follow
us on Twitter!
Media
Contact:
Jeff Shane
JeffShane@AllisonTaylor.com
800-
890-5645 USA toll-free
+1-248-672-4200 direct
dial
AllisonTaylor.com
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