According to the bill's original language, bullying is defined as repeated "health-harming mistreatment" of one or more employees through verbal abuse, threats, humiliating or threatening actions or sabotage that interferes with work being done.

The legislation focuses on forcing companies to draft and enforce policies aimed at stopping workplace bullying. Requiring such policies, according to those backing the legislation, isn't an attempt to spawn lawsuits, but an effort to force companies to deal with the problem.

Opponents of the legislation say that with existing laws to prevent employer discrimination being interpreted in broadened contexts, anti-bullying laws are unnecessary.

Whether or not they are governed by an anti-bullying statute, employers are already dealing with bullies for another big reason. With so many baby boomers retiring, and with so few qualified replacements to fill the gap, the nation's workforce is facing an extreme skill shortage. And employers know that a workplace that doesn't respect individuals is going to have a hard time attracting and retaining talent.

One strategy for effectively combating workplace bullying is knowing your employees before you hire them. To Get the Whole Story on your applicants - including any history of workplace bullying or violence - rely on InfoMart's full suite of background screening services. For more information please contact 770-984-2727 option 4 or sales@infomart-usa.com.

(Source: http://www.workforce.com)