The Industries Most at Risk for Bullying

Workplace bullying continues to be a relevant problem, with over a third of employees across industries reporting being bullied. Defined as repeated, unreasonable behavior that poses risks to health and safety, workplace bullying manifests as verbal abuse, cyberbullying, social exclusion, and sabotage.

While it can occur in any sector, the industries most at risk for bullying are those with rigid hierarchies and high-pressure environments. The rise of remote work post-pandemic has led to increased attention on this issue, with over a third of remote workers reporting experiences of bullying, often via digital channels.

As employment law pre-settlement loan providers, we engage with clients across various sectors and have witnessed firsthand the intrusive nature of workplace bullying. Our data-driven study shows the disruptive bullying on victims’ lives and the overall workplace environment.

What Is Workplace Bullying?

Workplace bullying is repeated, unreasonable behavior directed towards an employee or group of employees that creates a risk to health and safety. According to a 2024 study completed by the Workplace Bullying Institute, 52.2 million (32.3%) workers have been directly bullied at work. 

The four main types of bullying are:

• Verbal: Verbal bullying in the workplace involves the use of words to intimidate, degrade, or belittle an employee, creating a hostile work environment. It includes behaviors such as insults, threats, name-calling, excessive criticism, sarcastic remarks, and spreading false statements.
• Cyberbullying: This involves the use of digital communication tools to harass, intimidate, or demean an employee. Common examples include sending threatening emails, spreading harmful rumors through messaging platforms, or posting derogatory comments on professional networks.
• Social exclusion: Deliberately isolating or ignoring an employee to undermine their sense of belonging and professional contribution is a form of bullying. The victim might be excluded from meetings, team activities, decision-making processes, or informal social interactions.
• Sabotage: This occurs when an individual deliberately undermines a colleague’s work or professional success. This can include actions like withholding critical information, intentionally providing incorrect instructions, disrupting projects, or damaging tools and resources needed to complete tasks.

The abusive behavior can be overt, like public humiliation, or covert, such as spreading rumors. Workplace bullying typically involves a power imbalance where the perpetrator exerts control over the target. It typically occurs from boss to employee; however, it can also occur between co-workers.

The Industries Most Affected by Workplace Bullying

Workplace bullying can occur in any industry, but certain sectors face a heightened risk due to their structural and operational dynamics. For example, industries with rigid hierarchical structures may create an environment where authority figures can exploit their power and mistreat subordinates.

Factors that foster a toxic work environment and increase the likelihood of bullying include:

• Rigid hierarchical structures
• High-pressure environments
• Frequent interpersonal interactions
• Lack of clear communication
• Unbalanced workloads
• Authoritarian leadership styles
• High employee turnover
• Limited career advancement opportunities

The industries most affected by workplace bullying are retail (60%), healthcare (30%-60%),  hospitality (38%), education (32%), and technology/IT (30%).

Remote Work and Bullying

Contrary to the belief that remote employees are less susceptible to workplace bullying, the 2024 WBI U.S. Workplace Bullying Survey shows that 32.5% of remote workers have reported bullying in their work environments. This data challenges the notion that physical distance from the workplace diminishes the risk of negative interpersonal interactions.

Bullying in remote settings often occurs through various digital channels. Virtual group meetings can become platforms for exclusionary behavior or inappropriate comments, while private messages and emails may be used for harassment or intimidation. These forms of bullying are just as damaging as traditional face-to-face interactions.

The Demographics of Workplace Bullying

A striking 71% of workplace bullies are male, indicating a significant gender disparity in bullying behavior. Among the victims of workplace bullying, 51% of women report experiencing it, compared to 46.5% of men. Non-binary individuals report the lowest incidence, at just 6%, likely due to their smaller representation in many workplaces.

The data we analyzed shows important racial differences in experiences of bullying. African Americans report the highest bullying rate at 44.3%, highlighting the need to address racial issues in the workplace. Hispanics follow at 33.5%, White individuals at 30.1%, and Asian individuals at 25.9%.

When examining bullying through the lens of sexual orientation, 51% of LGBTQ individuals report being bullied, a significantly higher rate compared to 31% of heterosexual individuals. This disparity indicates that LGBTQ employees face unique challenges and risks in the workplace, requiring targeted policies to create a more inclusive work environment.

The Far-Reaching Consequences of Workplace Bullying

Workplace bullying can have severe and far-reaching consequences for both individuals and organizations. As a legal funding provider for employment law cases, we have seen how pervasive bullying is across industries.

The most common consequences of bullying at the workplace include:

• Physical effects: Victims of bullying often experience various physical symptoms, including chronic headaches, heightened cardiovascular risks, and sleep disturbances. These issues can lead to increased absenteeism, as affected employees may require time off to manage their health concerns.
• Mental effects: The psychological toll of workplace bullying can be profound, manifesting as depression, anxiety, and chronic stress. In severe cases, individuals may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), impacting their ability to function effectively in the workplace.
• Productivity impact: The repercussions of bullying extend to workplace dynamics, resulting in decreased morale among employees. This can lead to increased turnover rates as individuals seek healthier work environments. Also, the overall efficiency of the team may decline as bullying fosters an atmosphere of fear and disengagement.

Fight Back Against Workplace Bullying

As organizations adapt to flexible work arrangements, the dynamics of workplace interactions have shifted, potentially aggravating issues related to bullying.

The data-driven insights of our experienced team of employment law loan providers reveal how bullying can lead to significant mental health challenges and a decline in overall employee productivity and engagement. 

The widespread impact of bullying extends beyond individual victims, affecting team morale, organizational culture, and, ultimately, business performance.

As companies strive to create supportive environments and retain talent in a competitive labor market, addressing workplace bullying has become essential for promoting a healthy and productive workforce.