We all know that sometimes the boss has got to be tough, but watch out. Insulting employees about job performance or personal qualities is very bad for business. In fact, bullying may be a bigger problem in the workplace than sexual harassment.

According to the Workplace Bullying Institute (WBI), 37 percent of U.S. employees have been bullied at their job, as opposed to 8 to 10 percent who have been sexually harassed. And a study by Sandy Hershcovis of the University of Manitoba and Julian Barling of Queen’s University in Ontario, concludes that victims of bullying report feeling angrier and more stressed at work—and are more likely to quit their job.

As a result, the atmosphere in the office is poisoned, everyone’s job performance suffers, and turnover becomes a serious problem. And that’s got to be bad for business.

Of course, it’s not only the boss who can act like a bully. Anyone can be involved in ostracizing or ridiculing co-workers, or spreading office rumors. But it’s up to the boss to set tone in the office. If
you treat employees with disrespect, even occasionally, you are responsible for enabling a culture of abuse.

Apparently many people enjoy Donald Trump’s antics on The Apprentice. Some think he’s a role model. I say, “Donald, you’re fired!”