Hidden from the eye and untreated-workplace bullying in Israel
The bill proposal for anti-workplace bullying (WB) was buried a year and a half ago just because it did not come from the right political party. Nevertheless, it raised awareness to the disturbing common phenomenon.
In Israel, besides treating sexual harassment in workplaces, as a form of bullying, there is no legislation or mechanism to assist workers suffering from it.
A recent study held by prof. Sibylle Heilbrunn And dr. Yariv Itzkovich from the Kinneret academic college for the Ministry of Economics shows that ≈70% of the workers reported WB of some nature at some point along their careers.
Violence and aggressive behavior norms are deeply rooted in our society, as can be seen in all aspects of our lives, especially in our driving culture. The financial and emotional damages are enormous nevertheless we have a long way to go to persuade employers to take actions promoting healthy work environments.
