‘I don’t want to be a burden’: Workplace bullying and the challenges of seeking and receiving social support

Abstract

ABSTRACT Workplace bullying is a pervasive and significant communicative phenomenon. It is a social stressor impacting the physical and psychological well-being of employees as well as organizational health. The current study investigated workplace bullying targets’ bullying experiences and their perceptions of available and received social support and its effectiveness as a coping resource. Through qualitative interviews (n = 35), this study reveals that while emotional support is readily available, it is often insufficient and misaligned with the needs of workplace bullying targets. Other critical forms of support were less available. Additionally, a paradox of seeking support emerged wherein the act of seeking support is itself a burden and limits a target’s ability to benefit from social support as a coping resource and buffer against the negative impacts of bullying. This research highlights the need for organizations to foster supportive communication climates and develop policies and systems that protect the wellbeing of employees.