"I took my heart to work and they broke it". These words spoken and heard in a session where employees were encouraged to not only bring their heads to the workplace, but their hearts too. (That is, their passion and enthusiasm).

Once heard, these were words could not be left without taking action. At this time, my role in the organisation was to facilitate change. I was a mediator between employees and management. I believe that most people are motivated by positive intent. They are not inherently lazy, stupid, and careless or lack commitment. It is usually when they are defeated and tired, (or heart broken) that they rebel into a performance problem.

Realising that my values were incongruent with the organisation's, I left corporate life shortly thereafter.

The bullying that takes place in the workplace is not always the result of an individual. It is corporate culture that allows bullying. And it is usually people in a position of authority that are able to bully others and get away with it.

Although many companies pay lip service to the adage "Our people are our greatest asset", these companies encourage bullying tactics. They rule by fear and intimidation. People are their greatest asset but they are treated like machines. Ethics is a core value, but the people who make their business a reality are often dehumanised and reduced to numbers.

I have witnessed Human Resource Directors with master's degrees in psychology using their understanding of the human psyche to manipulate people negatively. I have seen CEO's intimidating people by shouting and swearing at them openly. I have seen capable workers being told that they "have reached their ceiling" by managers who refuse to develop their potential. I have heard the constant message in companies that no one is irreplaceable and that people are lucky to have their jobs. I have even seen a grown man cry at work.

In the interests of profits, people are forced into doing the jobs that two or three people used to do. The re-engineering that was supposed to streamline the work processes and reduce manpower has often not delivered. People work 60+ hours a week to keep up. When they burn out, (as inevitably they will) there is always a supply of younger, enthusiastic and talented people (with intact hearts) to take their place.

Whilst many organisations have bought into "the heart of the organisation" philosophies and want their employees to bring their hearts to work, they have a responsibility to protect those hearts. If companies want their employees to bring their hearts to work (and I think most people do. We want to love our jobs), there is a responsibility from organisations to stop the more subtle forms of abuse. And if bullying is not part of their company culture or vision, then they should come down on leaders who are abusive.

Bullying on the playground may have involved pushing and punching. But workplace bullying, which involves demeaning people is far more serious. Adults should know better.

Robert Fulgum (author) says "Yelling at living things does tend to kill the spirit in them. Sticks and stones may break our bones, but words will break our hearts..." Let organisations find their own hearts, and recognize that passion comes from employees who have meaning and feel whole.

Learn more about this author, Charmaine Lloyd.
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