Written by: Caroline Bellenger, Senior Level Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
My journey is a testament to resilience and reinvention. At the core of 'Be The Impossible', I am more than just a life coach or a motivational speaker. I am a testament to overcoming the toughest obstacles. On two occasions, workplace bullying pushed me to the edge of despair — first as an Office Manager of a Surf Lifesaving Club and then as an Operations Manager of a university student association. These challenges spiralled me into deep mental health issues, leading me to resign from both roles. But much like a phoenix, I rose. Fuelled by my battles against childhood sexual abuse, decades of addiction, and my transformative journey to sobriety in 2009, I transformed my past traumas into unwavering determination. From representing Australia in triathlon at 50 to my entrepreneurial feats, I stand as a beacon, showing that our past doesn’t determine our destiny. My story speaks volumes: with courage, hope, and a sprinkle of humour, no obstacle is insurmountable.
Interestingly, both these episodes of workplace bullying surfaced after I embraced sobriety. Upon reflecting, I realized that I had been a victim of workplace bullying before but overshadowed by my struggles with self-worth during my drinking days, I had simply accepted it. Sharing my story opened doors, allowing me to connect and guide countless women across industries, each a victim of a deeply ingrained toxic work culture. This led me to champion Mental Health fervently, both volunteering for the Black Dog Institute and pledging to foster wellness and compassion at the heart of corporate missions.
The sinister nature of bullying scarred my mental health. When I reached out for support, I was often met with apathy, or even worse, blame. It's staggering that many workplaces remain blind to the debilitating effects of bullying, especially when research extensively underlines the monumental impact it has on individual well-being. For instance, a study in the "Journal of Occupational Health Psychology" showcases the grim psychological consequences bullying can inflict, like depression, anxiety, and burnout (Nielsen & Einarsen, 2012). Further, the "Occupational Medicine" journal highlighted the physical ailments often arising from workplace harassment, including sleep disturbances and cardiovascular problems (Kivimäki et al., 2003).
But my advocacy isn’t just about spotlighting the issue or initiating wellness policies. It’s about nurturing personal resilience, promoting self-worth, and building confidence. This equips us to face adversities head-on. It's evident that many instances of bullying stem from distorted power dynamics, often misaligned with the organization's true interests. When the workplace culture is rooted in rivalry rather than unity, employees' contributions are undermined.
The ramifications of workplace bullying aren’t confined to the individual. It ripples through the organization. As the "Harvard Business Review" points out, bullying erodes workplace productivity, primarily due to increased absenteeism and dwindling employee engagement (Porath & Pearson, 2013). Moreover, as the "Workplace Bullying Institute" suggests, it can lead to higher employee turnover (Namie, 2007). I can attest to this, having left two positions I deeply loved. Regrettably, both organizations remained indifferent to their toxic culture, evident from persistent complaints and pleas, not just from me but from many others.
To me, life's adversities are opportunities, moulding us, fostering growth. These experiences haven't just propelled my personal growth, but they’ve ignited my mission to advocate for organizational wellness. I can't stress enough the significance of a wholesome work culture, especially for entrepreneurs. To anyone reading this, introspect. How are you ensuring a supportive, nurturing environment for your team? Now is the time to step up and transform our workplaces into sanctuaries of growth and support. Click here for a free copy of my 5 Secrets To Self-Love
Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Caroline!
Caroline Bellenger, Senior Level Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Caroline is an award-winning entrepreneur, mental health advocate, and wellness warrior. After experiencing childhood sexual abuse and over twenty years of addiction and mental health issues, Caroline enhanced her life by creating a toolbox of strategies that enabled her to improve her mindset, and self-esteem and create three successful businesses. As the founder of “Be The Impossible”, she has coached and inspired thousands of women to overcome their own life obstacles and create fulfillment and joy. She is the co-author of three books including Amazon's 1 Best Seller "Queens In Sand Castles". She has climbed to Everest Base Camp and competed in national sporting teams, including representing Australia in Triathlon at 50. Her transformation and achievements are a testament to her courage and determination to define her future regardless of age or past challenges. Caroline has dedicated her life to empowering other women through inspirational keynotes, books, coaching programs, and online education.
References:
Nielsen, M. B., & Einarsen, S. (2012). Outcomes of exposure to workplace bullying: A meta-analytic review. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 17(4), 309.
Kivimäki, M., Virtanen, M., Vartia, M., Elovainio, M., Vahtera, J., & Keltikangas-Järvinen, L. (2003). Workplace bullying and the risk of cardiovascular disease and depression. Occupational Medicine, 53(6), 443-450.
Porath, C., & Pearson, C. (2013). The price of incivility. Harvard Business Review, 91(1-2), 114-121.
Namie, G. (2007). The challenge of workplace bullying. Employment Relations Today, 34(2), 43-51.
