In this chapter you will find information on:

• ∎ how stress and aggression in the workplace is a worldwide problem

• ∎ how the changing nature of the world of work is affecting levels of stress

• and aggression

• ∎ some research into the nature and extent of the problem, and some

• legislation developed to tackle it

• ∎ various definitions of the problem

• ∎ measures for beginning to tackle it.

A worldwide problem

Unfortunately, aggression, bullying, conflict, harassment and violence in the workplace are not new, and neither are they decreasing. Pressure is part and parcel of all work and helps to keep us motivated. But excessive pressure and other forms of aggression, bullying and conflict can lead to violence – all of which undermines performance, is costly to employers and can make people ill.

Some governments and organizations worldwide have tried, particularly over the past 10 years, to try and contain these problems – by legislation, guidance and advice.

The information and references in this book will help you to understand the causes, and to identify and solve problems in your workplace.

The changing world of work

In 2005, the International Labour Office in Geneva commissioned a report entitled The Cost of Violence/Stress at Work and the Benefits of a Violence/Stress-Free Working Environment (Hoel, Sparks and Cooper, 2005). The results show that stress is an increasing workplace phenomenon negatively affecting a growing number of people across the world.

As the economy becomes global and competition increases in the battle for market share and survival, pressure mounts on workers. With high levels of crime and aggression in society, violence finds its way into the workplace in the form of robbery and assaults, particularly on frontline staff and service providers such as those in our libraries and information centres. As pressures mount, aggression may also build up within the workplace, making worker on worker aggression more likely. Recent research in Europe, the USA and Australia indicates that it is the emotional and psychological abuse referred to as ‘bullying’ and ‘mobbing’, rather than physical violence, which represents the greatest threat to most workers. However, due to the increasing diversity of workforces, a number of studies also document the frequent presence of harassment on the basis of race or gender. Additionally, many women, particularly in the developing world, have found that the workplace represents no safe haven from abusers.

Listed below are some current factors and trends which may affect the presence and scale of stress and violence:

• ∎ Economically, we are moving towards a single, global marketplace.

• ∎ There is increased commercial competition, which results in growing

• pressures on everyone at work.