A study conducted by Leipzig University on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs provides the latest findings on workplace bullying. The research results form the basis of the current bullying report and show that 6.5 percent of employees in Germany are affected by bullying from colleagues and/or superiors.
The age effect is particularly striking in the results: younger people and trainees are more frequently affected by bullying than older employees. For example, 11.4 percent of employees aged 18 to 29 are exposed to bullying at work, but only 3.2 percent of employees aged 50 to 59. The study was based on a representative survey of 5,015 employees in Germany, which was conducted at the Institute of Social Medicine, Occupational Medicine and Public Health at Leipzig University.
It also shows that 8.1 percent of people with a low socio-economic status are affected compared to 3.6 percent of people with a high socio-economic status. In addition, 13.5 percent of people who are not affected by bullying have a migration background.
Need for action in companies
The study also highlights the considerable health and work-related consequences of bullying: those affected show significantly lower job satisfaction and a poorer self-assessment of their state of health. The researchers recommend that preventative measures should be implemented on several levels. "There is a need for action, because bullying is a relevant burden in the work context," states Steffi Riedel-Heller, Director of the Institute of Social Medicine, Occupational Medicine and Public Health. In addition to raising employee awareness, targeted training for managers and other measures in companies are required. These include anonymous contact points and clear behavioral guidelines that are actively exemplified," says Dr. Margit Löbner, head of the study.
In addition to the survey, interviews were conducted with those affected, experts and managers. The evaluation illustrates the long-term psychological, social and health effects of bullying. In addition to the stress for those directly affected, there can also be negative consequences for uninvolved colleagues, operational processes and the private environment.
Research report published
Detailed information on the study can be found in the accompanying research report, which has now been published by the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS) under the title "Representative study on bullying in the world of work in the Federal Republic of Germany".
