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| Bullying behaviour likely to increase in current economic climate
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 Many organisations are reporting increased signs of stress, anxiety and depression in the current economic climate. There are concerns that these pressures are likely to increase the likelihood of inappropriate behaviour such as workplace bullying taking place unless organisations take some preventative steps.
Workplace bullying is often devastating for the targets, leading to significant emotional pain and upheaval. Organisations invariably suffer from such outcomes as reduced efficiency, increased absenteeism and poor team morale, increased Workers Compensation premiums, loss of reputation and public face, and sometimes civil and legal action.
Regulatory agencies are also becoming increasingly demanding, expecting that organisations anticipate and address potential hazards to fulfil their duty of care in providing a safe and healthy workplace. |
| Carbon pollution reduction – The people dimension
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 Despite delays to the launch of the Government’s Carbon Pollution Reduction legislation, most organisations now see the introduction of a price for carbon use as inevitable and are factoring in the impact in the not too distant future.
Many businesses have now commenced the task of managing and reducing their use of carbon in energy, transport and raw materials, etc. For some, emissions trading and carbon offsets also need to be understood. No organisation will be immune from the impact of the change, either through direct cost impacts, or indirectly through their supply chains. |
| Increased stress levels interfere with executive decision making and management health
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 A recent article in AFR Boss magazine (Mahler A, AFRBOSS July 2009 Vol 10) highlighted some of the effects on management and executives of the recent economic situation. Alison Mahler wrote that conditions such as anxiety and depression brought on by enduring stressful conditions can significantly cloud executive and management decision making, not only at a strategic and high level, but if left unchecked, also at a basic day to day level. Beyond Blue have also suggested that untreated depression can cost organisations nearly $10,000 per employee per year.
We all know that high levels of pressure and stress come with the territory in certain executive management roles hence the benefits and salary which accompanies these positions. Stress may not always be bad - think of expressions such as motivation and SMART goal setting, which are used for the good aspects of certain levels of stress. |
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