Workplace aggression causes real harm — leaders must take action against it

When leaders ignore workplace aggression, employees can experience post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorder and depression. (Shutterstock)

Workplace aggression is a pervasive and highly damaging issue that costs organizations billions of dollars annually in lost productivity. Beyond financial losses, it fosters toxic workplace cultures, exposes companies to legal and reputational risks, and causes substantial distress for those who experience or witness it.

For years, scholars and practitioners have sought ways to prevent workplace aggression and mitigate its negative consequences. One proposed solution is bystander intervention, where employees who witness or hear about aggression step in to stop or address it.