Let's Talk About Bullying and Harassment in Family Business

Family businesses are unique, and the line between family relationships and business interests can easily blur. What may be expected and tolerated behavior in some family relationships, could be deemed bullying and harassment behavior in the workplace, especially when nonfamily member employees are involved.

For example, you’ve received complaints from subordinates about the behavior of a family member manager. You feel nervous, you haven’t seen signs of the abuse, but you’ve also heard rumors for a while. The manager is your uncle and broaching the topic with him will no doubt lead to drama and there will be an argument. Then what?

Knowing how to recognize and deal with the problem, will empower you to create change for the benefit of both your employees and your company. An unhealthy company culture that condones harassment by not addressing the problem, will cause the company to suffer.

Workplace bullying and harassment will COST YOUR COMPANY in lost revenues.

What is Bullying and Harassment in the Workplace?

The Workplace Bullying Institute’s definition is, “Workplace bullying is repeated, health-harming mistreatment by one or more employees of an employee: abusive conduct that takes the form of verbal abuse; or behaviors perceived as threatening, intimidating, or humiliating; work sabotage; or in some combination of the above.”

3 forms of violence and harassment that can occur in the workplace

Physical – physical force and attack such as punching, slapping, shooting

Psychological – isolating, devaluing, attempts to humiliate and undermine an individual or group, mobbing, cyberbullying through informational technology

Sexual – unwanted advances, comments, coercion, negative remarks about the sex of a person.

Key Risk Factors to Your Business

Discrimination of persons vulnerable to bullying and harassment	Inconsistent implementation of policies and procedures
Persons with disabilities (mental and physical) Ethnic minorities Sexual orientation Women Pregnancy Religion Age Marital status	Decision-making biases and power differentials Autocratic or laissez-faire leadership Lack of change management support causes increased psychological pressures and stress Rainmakers (high-value workers) get away with behaviors other employees would not

How does Bullying in a Family Business Affect Employees?

Recognize signs of distress in your employees and family members. Symptoms can include

Physical – headaches, tremors, nausea, unable to stop crying
Cognitive – poor concentration, memory problems, indecisiveness
Emotional – anxiety, shame, guilt, numbness, depression

The greater the frequency and duration of the bullying the greater the negative impact on employee health. This will result in decreased productivity, sick leave, staff resigning from the company, low morale, and tense relationships which result in lost revenues.

How to Combat Bullying with Solutions for Employees

Build a healthy workplace culture. This culture provides psychological safety where there is no risk of embarrassment, rejection, or punishment for speaking up, and includes the freedom to work without fear.

Create policies and processes to prevent and manage bullying if it occurs.

Train staff about the policies and what to do if they experience or recognize harassment in the workplace.

Document incidents including the behaviors, time, and location they occurred, and note witnesses.

Have a conversation. Get to know your employees, quietly observe, show an interest in their lives and aspirations, and be approachable. A healthy relationship builds trust, and with trust, employees will feel safe to confide in you.

One-on-one coaching. Bring in a trained professional if your employees experience workplace bullying. Coaches can assist with developing solutions, provide psychological and emotional support and assist in rebuilding confidence.

Conclusion & Takeaways

Workplace bullying seriously impacts both the mental and physical health of employees and costs the company money. This occurs through lost revenue, increased expenses, top talent who won’t put up with the situation leave, and lost employee productivity and work time. Assess your family business, recognize what bullying and harassment are and how to prevent them from occurring in your family business.

Looking for more resources? Check out our recommended list of resources below.

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I can guide and support you in managing the situation to prevent further harm to your company and employees. Connect with me for a Discovery Call to discuss your specific needs.

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