Impact of Workplace War

Would it shock you to learn that some people fight wars everyday and their job description is not that of a soldier? What if by reading this article you see yourself, your co-worker or your loved one’s reality?

The dictionary describes war as: an organized violent conflict engaged in by two or more separate social entities with the sole purpose of domination, part of which includes eradication of the other. Psychological attempts to dominate another are often described as bullying. These are often manifested as negative competition, contention, inappropriate comparisons, hostile criticism and isolation.

Though we are often saddened by thoughts of soldiers going away to war, many families surrender their loved ones to the battlefield of work daily, without the slightest idea of what they have to endure. One manager was heard referring to his employees as a herd of cattle. Imagine being one of his direct reports. The pain of those enduring abuse at work in whatever form, be it harassment, discrimination, or bullying, is just as acute as those in physical battle.

I very often encounter individuals in the workplace whose motives and actions are orchestrated for the sole purpose of dominating or eradicating a colleague. These acts of psychological harassment are as emotionally destructive as physical combat. They create anxiety, stress, and illnesses in all forms. Researchers are beginning to draw a correlation between the increasing growth of mental health diseases in the employed population and these war-like experiences at work.

War-like experiences have a rippling effect on employees, creating a long term negative impact on the social and economic reality of families and communities. Those who are away on stress or sick leave are incapable of contributing to their families and communities, leaving a void that is both social and economical.

The cost of these acts is devastating to our health and economy, resulting in billions of dollars of lost productivity annually. They are also contributing to the rising cost of health care, employee benefits and insurance. 

Very often those affected by violence at work resign their positions, down grade their employment, or relocate in order to leave the intolerable work situation. Because people’s lives function as a system of interrelated parts, we know that this does impact other areas of their life wellness. Some areas often overlooked are their spiritual wellness, intellectual wellness, social wellness, environmental wellness and emotional wellness. With this many impact, it is time to declare peace at work.

I am contributing my time and energy over the next two months to declaring peace at work. What if all of us focus on peace and fewer of us think of war and war-like acts? I believe if you join me in this endeavour we will be successful in increasing peace at work. Join us at www.peaceatworkday.com

Declaring Peace (Armistice) at Work

 

In today’s workforce too many people are stressed and anxious at the thought of going to work. Since everyone has basic needs, it could be argued that feeling safe at work should be one’s basic right. Many recent legislations and updates to workplace health and safety regulations here in Canada has been instituted to reaffirm the notion that it is one’s right to work in an environment that is free of physical and psychological harm.

Are you or someone you know afraid to go to work? Do thoughts of going to work conjure up painful memories, fears and anxiety even sleepless nights? Is the workplace disheartening and alienating? Do you feel unsupported, bullied and harassed?

There is an alarming increase in the number of people who do not return home from work on a global scale. A report issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) after an extensive study, showed that “homicide is the second leading cause of fatal occupational injury in the United States. The report stated that almost 1,000 workers are murdered and 1.5 million (about 1-in-4) employees are assaulted in the workplace each year. The Women in Management Review (2000) Domestic Violence reports that “Business is frequently a “battlefield”, with employees waging war against each other. Three people are murdered in the workplace every day in the USA, while an estimated 1 million workers (18,000 a week) are assaulted each year. Report of similar studies around the world have revealed that this is a global social phenomenon that calls everyone at every level of the workforce to action, and especially those of us engaged in the business of advocating for peace through conflict management and other forms of intervention.

The time has come to declare an Armistice Day at Work. As we leave the carefree summer days behind us and the routine of work sets in and the fall months approach. I am challenging every leader to declare an Armistice Day at work in the fall of 2010.  To focus attention to the increasing rate of violence in the workplace and respond to acts of acts of workplace war such as sexual, physical and verbal assaults and yes cases of murder, on the rise at work. There are many forms of workplace war and the casualties at work continue to cost insurance companies billions of dollars annually.  Some casualties of war at work are not acknowledged except when it impacts the company bottom.  Some of the subtle acts of war are bullying, harassment, verbal threats, rumours, gossips, isolation, defamation, and over work. The impact of these acts of violence is no less than that of the soldier under enemy fire, the cruelty in this instance is that the victims (employees) are usually unarmed and ill prepared for this kind of war.

This year I am leading a 10 week drive to increase peace at work and would love to hear from you on your experience of creating peace in your workplace. We are providing resources, tips, tools and inspiration to help you increase your peace at work. Join us at www.peaceatworkday.com

Social Vibrations

Social vibrations explain how we impact each other with our energy. We have an amazing ability to communicate through vibrations in part by the atmospheric contribution we make. Through vibrations we communicate our thoughts, moods, beliefs, doubts, fears and physical lack lustre without saying a word. Social scientists believe that our communication is only 15% of what we say. Our energy can be either positive or negative impact on those around us.

By becoming aware of social vibrations, we acknowledge our interconnectedness, as well as the impact we have on others. This knowledge will hopefully inspire us with heightened sense of responsibility for managing our lives so that we emanate more positive social vibrations, thereby fostering good; rather than negative energy that can be depressing.

When inspired, people at work will rise to the challenge of visualizing a workplace with improved interactions, one in which their experiences culminate into a System of Interpersonal Wellness that supports and care for the development of all aspects of their life.

Here are the eight principles for sustaining a system of interpersonal wellness that is galvanized by an Armistice Day declaration.

What’s it like at your workplace? Can you make a positive change?

Remedial Coaching

Remedial Coaching is a strategy we devised at Interpersonal Wellness Services Inc, to help people bridge the gap between their action and their consequences in a manner that is renewing, refreshing and empowering, yet corrective.

At this point, the Interpersonal Wellness System Coach (IWS) training which we offer is the only established Remedial Coach Training Program that prepares coaches to work with clients who need to address harassment, bullying and conflicting interpersonal behaviour in a manner that will produce change, growth, new perspectives and changed behaviour. 

IWS coaching training program is currently pending approval by the International Coach Federation. The program help clients to improve relationship with self and others, conflict management, positive social vibrations, collaboration, empowerment, belonging, and fun. 

To find out how you can become a Certified Interpersonal Wellness Coach (IWCC). Plan to attend our next free IWSC Orientation coaching program. Take steps to advance your career with improved coaching skills.  Don’t miss this opportunity to Register here