CSUSM Offers Workshops to Combat Workplace Bullying

SAN MARCOS, CA, June 24, 2013 (Press-News.org) A 2012 survey by CareerBuilder.com found that 35 percent of Americans are bullied at work, enduring abusive acts of humiliation and manipulation that can lead to depression, burnout, and decreased job satisfaction. The repercussions go beyond the individual target, too: researchers estimate that each workplace bully costs an organization up to $100,000 per year as work quality is reduced, worker turnover and absenteeism increase, and other negative effects take root. HR professionals and managers can be at a loss, as traditional conflict management strategies may not be effective in combatting workplace bullying.

To help stem this epidemic, the school of Extended Learning at California State University San Marcos is focusing on Workplace Bullying as a "Hot Topic" for Summer 2013, with two special workshops being offered this July. The first, which will take place on Friday, July 12, is directed toward human resources professionals and organizational leaders. The second workshop, held on Thursday, July 25, focuses on managing workplace bullies, and is designed for managers who are facing bullying problems in their workplaces.

"Workplace bullying is a problem that has been 'under the radar' until recently, but is extremely detrimental to organizations and workers," explains Mike Schroder, Dean of Extended Learning. "These workshops will give attendees an understanding of what creates an aggressive workplace environment, and specific, actionable steps that can be taken to stop bullying and change the organizational culture."

Anti-bullying expert Catherine Mattice, MA, president of Civility Partners LLC, will lead the workshops. Mattice has been studying workplace bullying for nearly 10 years, and has published the results of her research in books and numerous trade magazines, as well as sharing her expertise in national and local media. She has experience implementing solutions for negative behaviors in the workplace with organizations in the government, non-profit, and private sector.

To learn more or register for these workplace bullying workshops, or to explore other certificate programs and courses, call 760-750-4020 or visit the Extended Learning website at www.csusm.edu/el.

About CSUSM Extended Learning:
As the academic outreach arm of Cal State San Marcos, Extended Learning is a leading provider of professional and continuing education in North San Diego and Southwest Riverside Counties. Offering degree programs, such as an online MA in Literacy, as well as both academic credit and noncredit professional enrichment courses, Extended Learning helps individuals and organizations achieve their educational and training goals. For more information please visit www.csusm.edu/el/.