The hidden cost of bullying in the workplace   When the word "bullying" is mentioned, what comes to mind? Do you think of big tough kids on the playground making life miserable for those too small to defend themselves? Here's a newsflash. These kids have grown up, and now they are in the workforce pushing around your employees.   While you are in meetings discussing ways to increase employee retention, these people are bullying people right out the door. Their behavior affects the overall "health" of the entire organization, which impacts the bottom line. This behavior is costing corporate America millions of dollar a year. Things have gotten so bad that thirteen states have considered anti-bullying legislation. Here are just some of the ways this type of harassment impacts the workplace.   Sick workplace   Bullying affects the overall "health" of an organization. An "unhealthy" workplace can have many side effects. Have you noticed lately that tardiness and absenteeism have skyrocketed in one particular department? Have you sat down to figure out what it's costing your company in terms of absenteeism and tardiness?   Increased costs for Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) and health insurance   It's no secret that employees who are satisfied at work are better able to handle the demands of their job than those who are not. If you've noticed that your EAP usage has risen or that your premiums are skyrocketing again because employees are accessing their coverage more often, ask yourself why. Is someone in the organization placing unreasonable demands on people? Do employees feel threatened by one particular manager?   Recruitment and retention   Are there one or two managers in your company who never seem to get internal candidates to apply for open positions? Ever wonder why? If so, just ask. Chances are others will tell you exactly why no one wants to work under this person's direction. Don't be surprised if the word on the street is the same. In this day and age of Internet usage, all it takes is one or two posts on web sites like Vault.com and your secret is no longer insider information.   Poorer customer service   It's hard to maintain a pleasant demeanor when you are being berated daily by your boss. Think of an animal that has been beaten. After a while, they simply can't get up. The same is true of badgered employees. Eventually they reach a point where they can no longer rise to the occasion. Not only do they suffer, but so do your customers.   Fixing the problem   The only way to fix the problem is to tell the bully his or her behavior is no longer acceptable. But of course you must mean it or the bully will go right back to his or her horrific behavior. Yes, it will hurt if you lose your number one Sales Manager. But think of what will happen if you let this person stay. How many more employees will you lose? How many customers will walk away with those employees who have built solid relationships with them?   It was fine when you were ten and you were afraid to confront this person. But now you are 30 or 40 or maybe even 50. Time to grow up and face your demons. The workplace is not a playground and your employees no longer have to live in fear. Do what you should have done 30 years ago. Fight back and show the bully who is in charge. Rest assured knowing your workplace will now be at peace.     About Roberta Matuson Roberta Matuson is an expert at creating intergenerational harmony at work. She's President of Human Resource Solutions, a firm that provides consulting and training to resolve intergenerational conflicts and help companies capitalize on the unique generational perspectives of their workforce. She has appeared on FOX's "The O'Reilly Factor" and has been quoted in The New York Times, Boston Globe, and many other national business publications.