The Echo Movement - A Nonprofit Against Bullying

Workplace Bullying

A Hidden Crisis in the American Workforce

Workplace bullying is a serious, widespread issue that often goes unrecognized and unaddressed. Beyond isolated incidents of incivility, workplace bullying is a pattern of harmful behavior that can deeply affect individuals, teams, and organizational cultures.

The Echo Movement is committed to raising awareness, advocating for change, and supporting those impacted by bullying in the workplace.

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U.S. workplace bullying statistics

What is workplace bullying?

Workplace bullying is not just a “bad boss” or a “toxic coworker.” It’s a pattern of abuse—strategic, repeated, and deeply harmful.

“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 some combination of the above.”

Key characteristics of workplace bullying:

  • Verbal Abuse: Constant criticism, yelling, or belittling comments.
  • Threats & Intimidation: Behavior that creates fear or undermines psychological safety.
  • Sabotage: Intentional interference with someone’s work performance or reputation.
  • Patterned Behavior: Not one bad day—this is sustained harm over time.

— Workplace Bullying Institute (WBI)

A Brief History:

Workplace abuse is still the only form of interpersonal abuse in America that hasn’t been widely condemned.

Child abuse, domestic violence, partner abuse—all have been named and challenged. But bullying at work is still normalized, minimized, and dismissed.

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Did You Know?

74.8 million U.S. workers are affected by workplace bullying.

2024 WBI U.S. Workplace Bullying Survey Flyer (PDF)

How Widespread is Workplace Bullying?

Between 2021 and 2024, workplace bullying has reached alarming levels in the United States:

  • 32.3% of adult Americans—roughly 52.2 million workers—have reported being directly bullied at work.
  • An additional 22.6 million workers have witnessed bullying in the workplace.
  • Altogether, approximately 74.8 million employees have been impacted, either directly or indirectly.
  • Nearly 72% of workers are aware that bullying is occurring in their current workplace.
  • 2024 WBI U.S. Workplace Bullying Survey Flyer (PDF)

These figures show that workplace bullying is not an isolated problem—it is a pervasive issue affecting millions of people across industries and professions.

Who Are the Bullies?

Bullying in the workplace often involves an abuse of power, and the statistics highlight a concerning pattern:

  • 61% of bullying cases involve supervisors as the perpetrators.
  • 33% are carried out by co-workers.
  • In 71% of cases, the bullying is done by a single individual, while 29% involve group bullying.
  • The legal profession is particularly affected, with 24% of lawyers reporting experiences of workplace bullying. Vulnerable groups—including women, racial minorities, LGBTQ+ professionals, and younger attorneys—face even higher risks.
  • WBI 2024 Survey Flyer (PDF)
"Subtle workplace bullying can hide in plain sight, but recognizing its more subtle signs can empower individuals to reclaim their worth."
Azizi Marshall, LCPC - Workplace Bullying
Azizi Marshall
LCPC

Age Matters

Younger Workers Face a Higher Risk

Age plays a significant role in bullying dynamics:

This generational disparity suggests that younger workers, particularly those newer to their roles or industries, may be more vulnerable to harassment, exclusion, and mistreatment.

The Human Cost

Consequences of Workplace Bullying

Workplace bullying doesn’t just hurt morale—it has lasting emotional, professional, and physical consequences:

  • In 62% of cases, the targeted employee ends up leaving their job, while the perpetrator remains employed 70% of the time.
  • 45% of victims experience stress-related health issues, such as anxiety, insomnia, and depression.
  • *48% report a significant drop in confidence and self-esteem.
  • In 40% of cases, the bullying continues for more than one year, leading to prolonged suffering and systemic damage.
  • 2024 WBI Survey Flyer (PDF)

Why This Matters

Workplace bullying is more than a toxic behavior—it’s a public health issue, a leadership failure, and a systemic challenge that needs immediate attention.

The data paints a stark reality: millions of Americans are suffering in silence, with limited support or recourse.

Our nonprofit exists to change that. We provide resources, advocacy, and community for those affected by bullying at work.

Together, we can create healthier, safer, and more respectful workplaces for all.

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Learn more about workplace bullying and abuse from Dr. Ramani

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Frequently Asked Questions on Workplace Bullying

Dealing with workplace bullying involves several proactive steps:

  • Document Incidents: Keep a detailed record of bullying behaviors, including dates, times, and descriptions.
  • Report the Behavior: Inform a supervisor, HR representative, or use formal complaint channels as outlined in your organization’s policies.
  • Seek Support: Consult with employee assistance programs, counselors, or legal advisors if necessary.

It’s crucial to address bullying promptly to prevent escalation and protect your well-being.

“How to deal with and resolve workplace bullying and harassment” – LRN

Workplace bullying is characterized by repeated, unreasonable actions directed towards an employee or group, intended to intimidate, degrade, humiliate, or undermine. Examples include:

  • Verbal Abuse: Yelling, swearing, or making offensive remarks.
  • Social Exclusion: Isolating someone from work-related activities or information.
  • Unjustified Criticism: Consistently demeaning someone’s work without basis.

Such behaviors can lead to a hostile work environment and impact mental health.

“Workplace Bullying - Human Resources - Administration and Finance” – University of Mary Washington

The three core elements that define bullying are:
  • Harm: The behavior causes physical or emotional damage.
  • Unfair Match: There is a power imbalance between the bully and the victim.
  • Repetition: The negative actions occur repeatedly over time.
Understanding these elements helps in identifying and addressing bullying effectively.

“Bullying: Recognition and Response Flashcards” – Quizlet

Human Resources (HR) departments play a pivotal role in addressing workplace bullying:
  • Investigation: Conduct separate meetings with the complainant and the alleged bully to gather information.
  • Policy Enforcement: Ensure that anti-bullying policies are upheld and that appropriate disciplinary actions are taken.
  • Support: Provide resources such as counseling or mediation to affected employees.
HR must act impartially and promptly to maintain a safe work environment.

“How HR managers should deal with workplace bullying” – Culture Shift

Workplace bullying can have severe repercussions:
  • Employee Well-being: Increased stress, anxiety, and depression among victims.
  • Productivity Loss: Decreased morale and efficiency within teams.
  • Turnover: Higher staff turnover rates, leading to increased recruitment and training costs.
Addressing bullying is essential to foster a healthy and productive workplace.

“Workplace Bullying: Know Your Rights” – Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities

Echoes of Silence.

The Stories They Should’ve Lived to Tell

Daisy Coleman

Daisy Coleman became a national advocate after surviving a high school sexual assault—but her private pain ran deeper. This article explores the hidden trauma of sibling bullying and the silence that followed her to the end.
Read the Story

John Barnett

John Barnett spent decades building planes and doing the right thing. When he blew the whistle on Boeing’s safety failures, the company retaliated with isolation, harassment, and psychological warfare. In 2024, he died by suicide. His story isn’t just about corporate retaliation—it’s about workplace bullying that kills. And we refuse to stay silent.
Read the Story

Kenneth Suttner

Kenneth Suttner was only 17 when workplace bullying pushed him to take his own life. Abused by his manager at a Missouri Dairy Queen and ignored by the systems meant to protect him, Kenneth’s story isn’t just a tragedy—it’s a warning. We need to face the truth: toxic work environments don’t just hurt. They kill. And young workers deserve better.
Read the Story

Antoinette “Bonnie” Candia-Bailey

In January 2024, the academic world was shaken by the heartbreaking suicide of Dr. Antoinette “Bonnie” Candia-Bailey, the Vice President of Student Affairs at Lincoln University in Missouri. Her death wasn’t just a personal tragedy—it became a stark reflection of a pervasive and often unspoken issue: workplace bullying in higher education.
Read the Story

Kevin Morrissey

Kevin Morrissey, managing editor at the Virginia Quarterly Review, died by suicide in 2010 after reportedly experiencing workplace bullying from his superior. Despite multiple complaints to university officials, little action was taken. His death led to staff resignations and a broader discussion about workplace harassment in academic settings.
Read the Story