Reading for module: Ture, False, Not Given. No more than 7 mintues. Bullying in the Workplace When workmates use offensive or intimidating behavior to humiliate other workers, it is a form of abuse. Bullies are frequently insecure people with low self-esteem (although it may not be obvious). Their targets are usually competent, honest and independent people who get on well with their colleagues --- often the very characteristic which bullies feel they lack. Bullies are often most concerned with gaining power and exerting dominance over people by causing fear and distress. The individual on the receiving end of this behavior may experience stress, anxiety, excessive worry, loss of concentration, and irritability as a result. The company may suffer, too, by way of a decrease in productivity and morale and higher rates of absenteeism. In some cases, the person being bullied quits his or her job resulting in a high turnover of personnel. If you believe you are being bullied by someone at work, keep a record of each incident, including dates, and bring it to the attention of your employer, trade union representative, or health and safety officer. If you think you were singled out for abuse because of discrimination against your gender, age, religious beliefs, race or a disability, you could lay a complaint with the Human Rights Commission. Do the following statements agree with the information given in the text? Write TRUE if the statement agrees with the information FALSE if the statement contradicts the information NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this Bullies seldom lack confidence in themselves. Bullies generally focus their unwanted attention on capable, decent individuals. Bullies usually feel powerful when they frighten and upset others. The target of a bully may suffer insomnia or disrupted sleep. Bullying in the workplace always has a negative effect on the organization. The Human Rights Commission is obliged to act if you were targeted because of discrimination.