Workplace Bullying Institute - Legislative Campaign, Advocacy for State Laws


WBI-Zogby 2007 Workplace Bullying Survey

The WBI Survey was conducted by Zogby International

Zogby International conducted 7740 online interviews during 3 days in August, 2007 of respondents selected to represent the adult population of the U.S. This is the largest national scientific survey of Workplace Bullying in the U.S. to date.


Major Findings

  • Workplace Bullying is an Epidemic
    37% of American workers, an estimated 54 million people, have been bullied at work. It affects half (49%) of American workers, 71.5 million workers, when witnesses are included.
  • Bullying is Same-Gender/Same-Race Harassment Ignored by Current Laws
    Bullying is 4 times more prevalent than illegal forms of "harassment."
  • American Employers Can and Do Ignore Bullying
    In 62% of the cases, when made aware of bullying, employers worsen the problem or simply do nothing , despite losing an estimated 21-28 million workers because of bullying.
  • Most Bullies are Bosses -- the Stereotype is Real
    72% of bullies are bosses. 55% of those bullied are rank-and-file workers.
  • Bullying Most Strongly Affects Women
    Women are targeted by bullies more frequently (in 57% of cases), especially by other women (in 71% of cases).
  • Bullying is a Public Health Hazard
    For 45% of bullied targets, stress affects their health. 33% suffer for more than one year
  • Bullied Individuals are not "Sue Crazy," Many Fail to Even Complain
    Only 3% of bullied targets file lawsuits. 40% never complain.
  • Perpetrators Suffer Little Despite Inflicting Suffering
    Targets have to stop the vast majority of bullying (77%) by losing their jobs despite being the ones harmed.

    Survey Results: Copyright 2007, Workplace Bullying Institute, bullyinginstitute.org,
    Citations of survey results must credit WBI




    The WBI Survey was made possible with a generous gift from the
    Waitt Institute for Violence Prevention
    Cindy Waitt, Executive Director
    Waitt Institute for Violence Prevention