Project Synopsis: Draft 1

Confronting Bullying in the Hospitality Industry

Introduction

According to a research by Harvard Business Review, coworkers play a huge part in an employee’s job performance. Especially when we spend at least 5 of out 7 days working, having healthy relationships with our coworkers is essential to our mental well being.

It is reported that one in four adults in Singapore have actually been a victim of bullying in their workplace.

Workplace bully may come in many forms: unnecessary verbal reprimandation, outcasting of a particular coworker, spreading of unspeakable rumours and biases that leads to unfair distribution of work are just some of them.

These actions can result in the victim being unable to focus on his/her work and even resorting to quit his/her job just because of the people at the workplace. Most importantly, workplace bullying does not end after office hours. Being a victim of bullying can cause physical and psychological health problems, including: Stress, anxiety. These symptoms may potentially stay with an individual for his/her entire life if it does not get resolved.

In the recent years, people have been looking into cyber bullying. But really, why is nobody talking about workplace bullying? This is something that is happening and real that we need to address. With Singapore being one of the countries with lowest happiness index in the recent global survey done, this training program is essential to equip all our staff with handling bullies at work professionally and therefore, creating a better environment for all of us to work in.

Problem Definition

According to a poll of 800 managers and employees conducted by the Harvard Business Review, 47% of respondents worried about bullying intentionally decreased their time spent at work, while 80% lost work time worrying about a bullying incident. Bullying damages employees morale and motivation, which likely leads to decreased work efficiency. Worse still, workplace bullying may result in individuals suffering from depression and anxiety. As fresh graduates step into the workforce, it is important to equip them with the right skills to maneuver through workplace bullying and protect themselves from such situations.

Objective

The primary objective of the project is to raise awareness of bullying in the hospitality industry, specifically hotel sector. Many rank and file employees are subjected to a form of bullying or abuse from their superiors or even colleagues. Most bullying cases are looked over and swept under the rug as it is not taken seriously. The lack of voice from the victims makes bullying seem non-existent though it is not the case. The training aims to aid the victims of bullying and also others who have witnessed the act. The secondary objective is to reduce bullying incidents within the hotel sector and deter them from future occurrences.

Potential Solution (Implementing the Principles)

1. Clearly define what is considered bullying in the workplace.
   It is often people are not aware what is considered bullying in the workplace. They usually bite the bullet and think that the treatment that they are receiving is a norm. Company should define what is considered bullying to them to educate their employee so as to have a better working environment.

2. Get everything in writing
   Just like dress code and conduct manual in hotel, they should set aside time and effort to come up with a booklet to clearly define what is considered bullying and what an employee can do if they are being bullied. Bullying is a very sensitive topic and many are not willing to talk about it openly. To have everything stated clearly in writing allows employee to seek out help remotely.

3. Encourage immediate reporting. Have the outlet known to the employees.
   Reporting undesired behavior to a neutral party (usually human resource) should be encouraged. The hotel should set up safe space for employee to report their situation. There they will be able to get help and guidance on what is the most appropriate solution for every unique situation.

Research Method

In this project, a combination of primary and secondary methods will be used. A Professor from the hospitality industry will be interviewed through a face-to-face interview to consolidate the problems mainly faced in the hospitality industry in Singapore. Researches will also be done through academic articles to gather knowledge on how to confront these bullying situations.