Workplace abuse unacceptable: HR experts

SINGAPORE - Physical abuse at the workplace is not common in Singapore.

But psychological or emotional abuse are, human resource consultants told The New Paper.

Mr Joshua Yim, chief executive of HR company Achieve Group, said he was shocked to hear of the incident.

He said: "Singapore is an advanced society and this is beyond my imagination. I find it to be a disgrace to our country."

Referring to the victim's non-retaliation and defenceless state, he added: "We're not sure what the reasons are or what the intent is, but it is not acceptable in any situation.

"Be it an emotional or a physical abuse, it is unacceptable in a professional context."

Mr Bruno Marchand, manager of the business support division at recruitment consultancy Robert Walters Singapore, agreed: "Employers are going too far when they do anything which is potentially degrading, embarrassing or humiliating to an employee."

Workplace abuse can be likened to bullying, said associate consultant Ian Poulier at The SEL Network, which provides counselling services.

"There is intimidation and fear, and a feeling of entrapment for the victim," he said.

"The perpetrator is usually superior or influential, and there's an abuse of power."

Mr Marchand said workplace abuse can and will generate more problems.

He said: "Employees can develop excessive anxiety, depression, withdrawal from social interaction and decreased morale."

Afraid

Explaining the concept of learned helplessness, Mr Poulier said most victims learn to endure the abuse as they are dependent on the job.

He said: "As an intern, he is dependent on the supervisor's report for validation and a bad report would lower his job prospects."

They might also be afraid of the consequences should the deed be exposed.

Mr Poulier added: "Victims might experience guilt and shame, and feel that they deserve the punishment.

"But this is a misnomer. Nobody deserves to be abused."

He stressed that all employees, especially those new to the job, must know the avenues of help should they be victims of abuse.

"A lot of people don't know what to do in such situations," he said.

"Having an impartial system of address where they can turn to - knowing that their work will not be impeded - will help."

Mr Marchand agreed: "To avoid any situation of this kind, every level of management must be vigilant and inform every employee that such behaviour is inappropriate and not tolerated in the company."

But Mr Yim said that although emotional abuse is more common than physical abuse in the workplace, it is on a downward trend.

"The workplace doesn't allow bosses to be regimental, let alone exhibit emotional abuse, as it makes it even harder to retain people in an organisation," he said.

"The younger generation is not open to strict disciplining and regimental methods of control, and supervisors need to learn to treat people with respect."

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