Page 112 - Petelin, Ana. 2024. Ed. Zdravje delovno aktivnih in starejših odraslih | Health of the Working-Age and Older Adults. Zbornik prispevkov z recenzijo | Proceedings. Koper: University of Primorska Press

Strategies for Responding to and Coping with Bullying
Interviewees consistently seek support from trusted colleagues, friends, and
family when dealing with bullying. Most try to stop the attacks through con-
scious, controlled behaviour. Additionally, large part of respondents actively
addresses the bullying by setting boundaries with the perpetrator, viewing this
as a learnable skill. Two participants found speaking with a supervisor effec-
tive, while two others successfully confronted the perpetrator. Besides direct
confrontation, seven respondents manage bullying by avoiding conflicts or ad-
justing their priorities.
Four interviewees moved from workplaces with frequent bullying to
those with less. They cited a sense of mission, good colleague relationships,
proximity to home, and financial considerations as reasons for staying in their
previous jobs.

112 A significant factor was the salary. I had a relatively high salary in
the intensive care unit, which contributed to my decision to stay
zdravje delovno aktivnih in starejših odraslih | health of working-age and older adults
(dmsp-32).

Consequences of Bullying
Interviewees reported that workplace negatively affects both their profession-
al and private lives. Most of them feel less satisfied with their work, which can
lead to doubts about their career choice. Additionally, reporting bullying is ra-
re due to the belief that it worsens the situation.
They report that bullying decreases their performance by impairing con-
centration, prolonging task completion, increasing fear of mistakes, and reduc-
ing self-confidence. Interviewees discuss their tendency to ruminate on past
events.

It affects job satisfaction. Because, well, it impacts you that day and
also leaves some consequences for a few days afterwards when you
keep thinking about it. You can’t just leave it and say, “Oh, it’s noth-
ing.” (dmsp-26).

Most individuals reported stress-related symptoms both physically men-
tally. They expressed fear of returning to work and facing the perpetrator. Bul-
lying effects included prolonged insomnia, persistent rumination, and physical
symptoms such as stomach pain, loss of appetite, and diarrhoea.
Interviewees suggest that bullying can be reduced through organization-
al-level interventions, such as establishing clear reporting channels and en-
forcing zero tolerance policies. They emphasize the need for fostering good
colleague relations, clear communication and effective staff management. Ed-
ucation on effective communication, types of bullying and actionable steps is
considered crucial. One interviewee suggests including practical exercises in