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
