Bullies at Work

For employers and employees alike it is taboo to talk about. Bob van der Meer is one of the few people who takes up the victims’ cause. As an occupational psychologist he visits companies to point out to staff and managers the serious consequences of bullying. Victims feel left out in the cold by occupational health doctors and HR managers who refuse to acknowledge the problem.

One of the victims is Piet. For years he is physically and sexually intimidated by his colleagues at a construction firm. His site manager has it in for him, while management and HR think he is making a fuss. Piet ends up on sick leave. The labour inspectorate struggles to find witnesses willing to let it take the case on; anxious colleagues close ranks. In a test case the court finally rules in Piet’s favour, but his life is destroyed. His wife and children have left him and Piet is psychologically broken.

Editorial assistant Ria has a good job at a publishing house, but a colleague dislikes her. Files go missing on purpose, important calls are not passed on. Day after day the two square up to each other, and the bullying comes to dominate Ria’s whole life. Management eventually arrives at a solution: Ria is suspended against her will, while her colleague stays.

This documentary was broadcast by NCRV in 2004.
It was followed by the educational film Pesten op het werk, made to show employers how to deal with bullying in the workplace.

Directors: Jacco Groen & Joyce Demarteau Camera: Jacco Groen Music: Maarten Welzen NCRV television Jelle Peter de Ruiter

Length: 42 minutes