Letter of the Day | Workplace bullying – the hidden cost to productivity

 https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/letters/20261016/letter-day-workplace-bullying-hidden-cost-productivity

 

 THE EDITOR, Madam:

Workplace bullying is an issue that deserves far greater public attention, particularly as Jamaica continues to grapple with low productivity and concerns about the well-being of its workforce. While much of the national conversation focuses on wages, skills and efficiency, insufficient attention is paid to the conduct of managers and the organisational cultures that allow abusive and dangerous behaviours to flourish.

Having worked in mental health services for more than a decade, I have encountered individuals whose psychological well-being has been significantly affected by their experiences at work. Many describe environments characterised by intimidation, manipulation, humiliation and persistent attempts to undermine their professional credibility. This shouldn’t be normalised.

What is particularly troubling is the fear that prevents many employees from speaking out. They worry about retaliation, damaged reputations, stalled career advancement or the loss of their livelihoods. Consequently, many suffer in silence while the individuals responsible for creating these conditions remain protected and hidden by workplace systems.

Another concerning observation is the frequency with which women identify other women in supervisory positions as the source of their distress. This is not to suggest that workplace bullying is exclusive to either gender. However, it raises important questions about leadership culture, insecurity, competition, scarcity mentality and the extent to which harmful management practices are sometimes reproduced by those who have themselves navigated difficult professional environments. This is a complex reproduction of cultural toxicity and trauma and, thus, women in management need additional support.

The consequences of these toxic work environments extend beyond individual employees. A workforce operating under constant fear and psychological strain cannot reasonably be expected to perform at its best. Anxiety, absenteeism, declining morale, disengagement and employee turnover all carry economic costs.

Workplace psychological safety should be treated as an important component of national productivity. Employers should establish credible mechanisms through which employees can report bullying and harassment without fear of victimisation. Equally important is ensuring that complaints against senior personnel are investigated independently and fairly.

Employees experiencing these circumstances should also be encouraged to document incidents, seek appropriate mental health support and explore available avenues for professional or legal redress.

The quality of leadership matters just as much as the quality of labour. We cannot seriously discuss building a more productive Jamaica while overlooking workplaces in which fear, hostility and intimidation have become normalised

Why Facility Security Officers Are Being Asked to Do More Than Ever

Facility Security Officers (FSOs) are at the center of some of the biggest changes happening across the national security workforce—and many are feeling the strain.

In this episode of Security Clearance Insecurity, Lindy Kyzer of ClearanceJobs sits down with Ike Rivers, NISPAC representative and advisory board member for TechnoMile Security Information Management, to discuss findings from the latest State of the Facility Security Officer Survey. Together, they explore why FSOs are being asked to wear more hats than ever before and what that means for security programs across the Defense Industrial Base.

The conversation covers some of the industry’s most persistent challenges, including the ongoing confusion surrounding Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), the modernization gap created by reliance on spreadsheets and manual processes, and why clearance reciprocity remains a major obstacle despite years of reform efforts. Ike also shares his perspective on Trusted Workforce 2.0, NBIS implementation, and the growing disconnect between policy goals and day-to-day operational realities.

In the second segment, federal employment attorney Elisabeth Baker-Pham offers practical advice for one of the most important—and often overlooked—parts of the clearance process: completing the SF-86. From investigating yourself before you begin to avoiding vague answers and using comment sections effectively, she explains how applicants can avoid common mistakes that lead to delays and complications.

Whether you’re an FSO, security professional, clearance holder, or applicant navigating the vetting process, this episode offers valuable insights into the challenges shaping the future of personnel security.

Security officer injured in violent attack at South Charlotte light rail station

A security guard employed by Professional Security Services was attacked on the train tracks at the Arrowood Light Rail Station on Tuesday morning.

Law enforcement officers took Tommy Curtis Martin into custody shortly before 8 a.m. in connection with the assault.

The Charlotte Area Transit System confirmed that the assault took place at the station located on England Street.

Transit officials stated that the security officer sustained injuries that were reported as not life-threatening.

According to court documentation, Martin faces multiple criminal charges stemming from the incident.

A magistrate’s order states Martin was charged with creating a public disturbance by shouting, screaming at, and fighting the guard.

He also faces charges of robbery for allegedly stealing a woman’s mobile phone, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or inflict serious injury for allegedly using a rock during the attack, and assault on a female for kicking a woman on the ground.

Martin is detained at the Mecklenburg County Jail without bond, and judicial records show he previously faced charges including resisting an officer and assault on a government official.

Chicago man charged in robbery, fatal stabbing of CTA janitor at Green Line stop, Chicago police announce.

Emergency transmissions broadcast over police radio at approximately 7:30 a.m. captured the moment the security guard called for help. “On the train tracks! This man just pushed me! I’m bleeding!” the security officer reported over the radio.

A Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department dispatcher subsequently called for immediate backup, stating over the radio, “Let me get a 10-18 out there. A security officer is down on the tracks.”

The incident has heightened safety concerns among local transit riders.

Courtney Owens, a resident who lives near the Arrowood station, noted that she has been using the light rail less frequently in recent months.

“It’s really disappointing to hear that there’s that kind of unfortunate violence. Especially so close to home,” Owens said.

Learning that the victim was a security guard further impacted her perception of safety, adding, “It makes me even a little bit more concerned.”

Female security guard stabbed to death, police searching for suspect believed to be an ex-boyfriend

A female security guard was stabbed to death in St Catherine on Saturday in what is suspected to be yet another incident of domestic violence.

The police in Old Harbour have since launched a manhunt for her suspected attacker, believed to an ex-boyfriend.

The slain woman has been identified as Patricia Dennis 39, of Hawk Lane, in Bullet Tree District, Old Harbour.

It’s reported that Dennis and the suspect were previously involved in a romantic relationship that ended because of frequent arguments.

Reports are that about 1:30a.m. Saturday Dennis returned home from a wake when her attacker showed up and tried to enter the house.

It’s reported that an argument developed and she left the house and went to the nearby home of the suspect's mother to complain.

He reportedly gave chase and caught up to her at the house where he allegedly used a knife to stab her to the neck, abdomen and upper body.

The suspect reportedly brandished a gun before escaping in nearby bushes.

Dennis was rushed to the Spanish Town General Hospital by a relative where she was pronounced dead.

-- Rasbert Turner

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