There is a so-called 'anti-bullying' law in effect in some states, but it will rarely be enforced, mainly out of fear, and also because of time and expense involved in perpetrating it.
It is every supervisor's responsibility to protect their staff. Sometimes the bulliers are supervisors themselves. I personally have left jobs due to bullying, and only once did another co-worker defend me by stating that I 'worked hard and minded my own business'.
When someone leaves a job (especially without another one to go to) they can be offset, at the very least, as they are giving up their income, benefits, self respect and pride because of one or two other people. They may have dependent children, pets, or even spouse. There is even 'gang bullying'. Any age group can bully; some people remind you of the bad kid on the playground.
No place of employment should allow this. Nada. None. I suggest monthly meetings to discuss interpersonal issues, and any supervisor with any common sense should know the real troublemakers. In-training for 'bully watching' should be mandatory at every place of employment. I worked at a medical center that was so out of control the public actually approached me in the Administration area (I was just a regular worker/receptionist) and complained about seeing 'open sexual harassment and clerical staff that abused each other and did anything but work..."
At this particular med center you were punished if you were a hard worker and minded your own business.
In today's world there is hardly any room for wasted time and effort. All should be accountable. No stealing, sexual abuse, harassment of any kind, and certainly no bullying. Too many places I have worked were highly dysfunctional and bullying reigned supreme.
