Bullying in the workplace has a greater impact on workers than sexual harassment, SMEs have been warned.
A report by the University of Manitoba in Canada found while both bullying and sexual harassment create a negative work environment, the former has a greater effect on moral.
It found that employees who are subjected to bullying, incivility or interpersonal conflict are more likely to have lower levels of wellbeing, quit their jobs, and are less satisfied with their jobs than those who are sexually harassed.
However, the report did not suggest that sexual harassment is less serious than bullying, just that changing attitudes mean the two are dealt with in different manners.
M Sandy Herschovis, lead author of the report, said: "As sexual harassment becomes less acceptable in society, organisations may be more attuned to helping victims, who may therefore find it easier to cope.
"In contrast, non-violent forms of workplace aggression such as incivility and bullying are not illegal, leaving victims to fend for themselves."
Earlier in March, the Commission for Disabled Staff in Lifelong Learning report found that disabled staff working in further and higher education are at risk from institutional discrimination.
