The Numbers You Can’t Ignore
Nearly 1 in 3 U.S. workers—48.6 million people—have experienced direct workplace bullying. mydisabilityjobs.com.
Another 30 million witness it, meaning 79 million are affected overall. mydisabilityjobs.com
Targets lose an average of 22 days of productivity per year due to stress-related illness or avoidance.
If you think corporate bullying is rare, the data says otherwise. Let’s break down three common scenarios and the exact steps you—and witnesses—can take
Scenario 1: The “Exploding Email” Boss
You open your inbox Monday and find a caps-lock rant CC’d to half the company.
If it’s happening to you
Document it—screenshot, date, time, recipients.
Mirror back facts in a calm reply: “Here are the deliverables you asked for, attached.”
Escalate with evidence to HR or a trusted senior executive.
If you see it happening
Forward the email privately to the target with a note: “Saw this—here if you need support.” Your allyship cuts the isolation that bullies count on.
Scenario 2: The “Peer Underminer”
A colleague whispers jokes about your competence in team meetings.
If it’s happening to you
Use the CALM script from our Bully Proof workshops:
Chest up
Alert eyes
Loud, steady voice
Message: “Comments like that aren’t professional. Let’s stay on task.”
If you see it happening
Interject with a redirect: “Let’s focus on the agenda, please.” Bullies wilt when the room refuses to laugh along.
Scenario 3: Slack-Channel Sabotage
Passive-aggressive GIFs target a coworker in the team chat.
If it’s happening to you
Save the chat log.
Block or mute the offender temporarily.
Bring HR screenshots plus an impact statement: “This is creating a hostile digital workspace.”
If you see it happening
Post a neutral statement: “Let’s keep this channel project-focused.” Then DM the target: “That wasn’t okay—happy to back you up.”
Why Silence Is Costly
Victims of workplace bullying are twice as likely to develop anxiety and depression. BioMed Central Companies pay in turnover, absenteeism, and legal risk. Addressing it early is cheaper than rehiring talent or settling lawsuits.
How Bully Proof Helps Your Workplace
Corporate CALM Workshops—live or virtual, 90 minutes, zero fluff.
Manager Playbooks—immediate steps for documenting and correcting toxic behavior.
Follow-up Coaching—30-day sprint to rebuild team trust.
Ready to protect your culture? Book a Bully Proof Workplace session at BullyProofLife.com/programs
