Dr. Leah Hollis Of Patricia Berkly LLC Conducts Workplace Bullying Study

Online, April 16, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Dr. Leah Hollis Of Patricia Berkly LLC Conducts Workplace Bullying Study

Dr. Leah Hollis, President of Patricia Berkly LLC, has compiled the preliminary findings of her study, Workplace Bullying in the Academy. She states, "The findings indicate that close to 68% of American higher education employees have experienced workplace bullying or witnessed workplace bullying in the last 18 months." As a result, several employees report being disengaged, stressed, or simply trying to leave higher education.

The study conducted across 175 four-year colleges and universities reveals the incidents of bullying occur far more in American higher education sector than corporate America. This might be attributed to the number of highly educated people who are encouraged to work individually as academics instead of effectively across diverse teams.

Other findings reveal that women and middle managers are disproportionately targeted. However, positive findings reveal that a committed boss who instills civility in the workplace fosters a healthy work environment. In short, it is about the leadership and the positive and respectful application of policy.

Dr. Hollis has also uncovered that the practice of workplace bullying can cost colleges and universities millions of dollars. Some respondents recalled that over $1.3 million was spent annually to deal with the mishaps and legal costs and managing and defending a bully. Other respondents report high turnover, health problems and sick leave, and in extreme cases suicide. Student services and retention also can be affected by disengaged staff who are emotionally drained after dealing with a bully.

In an economy where institutions of higher learning are struggling to make ends meet and retain operational budgets through enrollment, bullying creates and expense no one can afford. Proper training, education, and leadership development for supervisors and managers can help stem costly turnover and create innovative solutions despite constant budget cuts. People are our best resources, and incivility robs institutions of this necessary talent.

The full report and recommendations about this study should be released in last summer, 2012. For updates and more information on Dr. Hollis and Patricia Berkly LLC, visit www.diversitytrainingconsultants.com for the Patricia Berkly newsletter. Dr. Hollis is a 24 year veteran of higher education with her doctorate from Boston University who is committed to creating a healthy workplace.