37 Workplace Bullying Statistics for 2025

Prevalence of Workplace Bullying

Workplace bullying is widespread, with significant numbers of employees experiencing harassment and mistreatment.

1. 30% of employees report experiencing workplace bullying. Verbal abuse, intimidation, and exclusion are common forms. (SHRM)
2. 60% of employees witness bullying in the workplace. Observers often report feeling powerless to intervene. (Forbes)
3. 75% of bullying incidents go unreported. Fear of retaliation or lack of confidence in HR responses discourages reporting. (BLS)
4. Workplace bullying occurs in 1 out of 4 organizations. Toxic environments often lead to widespread cultural issues. (Gallup)
5. Women are 20% more likely to be bullied than men. Gender-based discrimination plays a significant role in workplace mistreatment. (EEOC)

Impact of Workplace Bullying on Employees

The effects of workplace bullying extend beyond the workplace, impacting employees’ mental and physical health.

1. 45% of bullied employees report stress-related health issues. Anxiety, depression, and insomnia are common consequences. (NIOSH)
2. 30% of bullying victims experience decreased job satisfaction. Bullying erodes morale and motivation. (Harvard Business Review)
3. 20% of bullied employees take sick leave due to stress. Absenteeism affects both the individual and organizational productivity. (SHRM)
4. Bullying increases turnover rates by 25%. A toxic work environment drives employees to seek safer opportunities. (Gallup)
5. 50% of victims report a decline in self-esteem and confidence. Bullying undermines personal and professional growth. (APA)

Common Types of Workplace Bullying

Workplace bullying takes many forms, ranging from overt aggression to subtle undermining behaviors.

1. Verbal abuse accounts for 40% of bullying cases. Insults, yelling, and belittling comments are the most reported forms. (SHRM)
2. Exclusion or isolation affects 30% of bullied employees. Deliberate exclusion from meetings or decision-making hinders professional contributions. (Forbes)
3. Cyberbullying represents 15% of workplace bullying. Digital harassment through emails, chats, or social media is on the rise. (Statista)
4. Work sabotage occurs in 20% of cases. Deliberate attempts to hinder performance or success damage victims’ careers. (NIOSH)
5. Micromanagement and unrealistic demands account for 25%. Excessive control or impossible expectations contribute to stress and burnout. (BLS)

Industries Most Affected by Workplace Bullying

Certain industries report higher rates of workplace bullying due to job dynamics and organizational culture.

1. Healthcare professionals face 50% higher bullying rates. High-stress environments and hierarchical structures contribute to mistreatment. (OSHA)
2. Education professionals report 30% bullying prevalence. Teachers and staff experience harassment from colleagues, students, and parents. (Gallup)
3. Retail workers face bullying in 20% of cases. Customer-facing roles often expose employees to verbal abuse and intimidation. (NIOSH)
4. Technology sector reports 15% of bullying incidents. Competitive and high-pressure work environments exacerbate toxic behaviors. (Statista)
5. Hospitality workers experience 10% higher bullying rates. Interactions with demanding customers and stressful work conditions increase risks. (Forbes)

Organizational Impact of Workplace Bullying

The repercussions of workplace bullying extend beyond the individual, affecting overall organizational performance.

1. Workplace bullying costs US businesses $20 billion annually. Turnover, absenteeism, and lost productivity contribute to financial losses. (SHRM)
2. 30% of bullied employees underperform due to stress. Reduced focus and engagement hinder team success. (Gallup)
3. Organizations with bullying issues report 18% lower employee engagement. A toxic culture damages trust and collaboration. (Harvard Business Review)
4. Bullying leads to a 25% increase in workplace conflict. Interpersonal tensions create disruptive and inefficient environments. (Forbes)
5. Companies with bullying issues face 15% higher legal risks. Claims of harassment and hostile work environments lead to costly lawsuits. (EEOC)

Addressing Workplace Bullying

Proactive measures are critical to prevent workplace bullying and create safer environments.

1. 85% of organizations implement anti-bullying policies. Clear guidelines help establish expectations and accountability. (SHRM)
2. Training programs reduce bullying incidents by 30%. Educating employees on respectful communication fosters healthier interactions. (Gallup)
3. Anonymous reporting systems increase incident reporting by 40%. Safe channels encourage victims and witnesses to speak up. (Statista)
4. Employee assistance programs (EAPs) improve victim recovery by 25%. Counseling and support services help employees cope with bullying effects. (NIOSH)
5. Management training reduces workplace bullying by 20%. Equipping leaders with conflict resolution skills addresses problems early. (Forbes)

Future Trends in Workplace Bullying Prevention

Emerging strategies and technologies aim to tackle workplace bullying more effectively.

1. AI-powered monitoring tools detect 30% more bullying behaviors. Algorithms analyze communication patterns to identify red flags. (Gartner)
2. Wellness programs adoption grows by 25%. Focusing on mental health and well-being creates a supportive work culture. (SHRM)
3. Diversity and inclusion initiatives reduce bullying by 20%. Promoting equitable workplaces minimizes discrimination-based harassment. (McKinsey)
4. Hybrid and remote work models reduce in-office bullying by 18%. Virtual environments limit opportunities for face-to-face intimidation. (Statista)
5. Proactive leadership engagement reduces bullying by 15%. Regular check-ins and transparent communication foster trust and accountability. (Forbes)