Learn how to spot bullies in the workplace at MCC

Bullying in the schools is a serious problem for our children.

What do you think happens to these bullies when they leave the playground? They go to work.

Roughly one-third of the workforce will experience bullying in the workplace, said panelists of "Rebel Without A Cause: Best Practices for Responding to Workplace Bullying," at a recent section of Labor and Employment Law Conference in Chicago. In fact, according to U.S. Dept. of Justice statistics, about two million violent crimes occur at work each year.

McHenry County College is committed to helping organizations to head off this serious issue by offering the Preventing Workplace Bullying training program from 8 a.m. to noon Friday, April 24, at the Shah Center, 4100 W. Shamrock Lane, McHenry. The program is facilitated by Sheri Bland, trainer, strategic planner, coach and president of Sheri Bland Solutions.

By definition, bullying is persistent, offensive, intimidating or insulting behavior that makes the recipient feel upset, threatened, humiliated or vulnerable. Left unchecked, workplace bullying leads to increased stress, reduced productivity and harm to the physical and emotional well-being of staff members.

This training program offers practical instruction on how to recognize and prevent bullying in the workplace. It shows bullying behaviors that - while not illegal - are typically prohibited by organizational policy.

To register, call the MCC Registration Office at (815) 455-8588 and reference course ID NTL C22 005. For more information, call McHenry County College Shah Center at (815) 455-8593 or email to shahcenter@mchenry.edu.