Research shows they spend time defending themselves and networking for support, thinking about the situation, being demotivated and stressed, not to mention taking sick leave due to stress-related illnesses. Bullies poison their working environment with low morale, fear, anger, and depression. The employer pays for this in lost efficiency, absenteeism, high staff turnover, severance packages and law suits. In extreme cases, a violent incident may be the tragic outcome. The target's family and friends also suffer the results of daily stress and eventual breakdown.
Marriages suffer or are destroyed under the pressure of the target's anxiety and anger.
Friendships cool because the bullied employee becomes obsessive about the situation. In this sense, we all pay. Prevention Workplace bullies create a tremendous liability for the employer by causing stress-related health and safety problems, and driving good employees out of the organization. The business case for strict anti-bullying policies is compelling. Potential benefits include a more peaceful and productive workplace, with better decision making, less time lost to sick leave or self-defensive paperwork, higher staff retention, and a lower risk of legal action.