Experts say that workplace bullying is a widespread problem.
According to a survey conducted last year by Zogby International, 35 percent of U.S. workers--or an estimated 54 million people--have been victims of workplace bullying at some point in their professional lives.
Joel Neuman, a professor of management and organizational behavior at the State University of New York at New Paltz, noted that workplace bullying can take many forms, though it is generally defined as being a persistent form of aggression that aims to humiliate, undermine, or ostracize another employee.
The targets of workplace bullying are often the most senior and competent person on the team, since they are viewed by the bully as being a threat, the Workplace Bullying Institute says.
Although a dozen states have enacted legislation over the last several years to address the problem of workplace bullying, there are also steps that employers can take to deal with the issue before it arises.
For instance, employers should have a code of professional conduct in place that lets employees know what kind of behavior is expected of them, as well the disciplinary measures that they could face for not complying with the code, Neuman said.
Experts also say that managers should talk with the employees who they think are being bullied and investigate their claims.
If an employee is found to have been bullying a colleague, the bully should be given a written warning or face suspension or termination.