How workplace abuse harms workers

Workplace abuse results in mental, physical, social, and financial harm.

Mental

Abuse is violence. It's psychological torture that takes a toll on mental health, including self-esteem, self-worth, and resilience. The longer the abuse, the bigger the impact, leading to physical symptoms.

Physical

Stress is a natural response to abuse and manifests itself through the mind-body connection. It may cloud judgment and lead to such issues as anxiety, depression, heart disease, digestive issues, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicidal ideation.

Social

We're built for connection with each other, but abuse removes that connection by isolating us. Isolation is especially common with mobbing, group abuse aimed to break down the target when abusers manipulate other employees or other employees fear becoming the next target. Bystanders may also suffer when they witness abuse but feel unable to help the target. Friends and family, including spouses, generally tire of hearing about the abuse, leading to further isolation.

Financial

When a target sees few options, she often finds herself choosing between her health and a paycheck. If she chooses her health without a sufficient safety net (savings, spouse's income, another job or course of income, etc.), the ability to pay for bills becomes an added stress. With one setback potentially putting a target in jeopardy, home foreclosure, bankruptcy, or homelessness are realistic outcomes.