DARBY, PA — Advocates, survivors, and attorneys converged to spotlight the pervasive problem of workplace bullying and psychological abuse, which they argue is a significant public health threat affecting millions of American workers. At the forefront of this initiative, PA House Speaker Joanna McClinton called for a House Majority Policy Committee hearing. The aim is to raise awareness and push for the enactment of a Psychological Safety Act, a proposed legislation designed to protect workers from psychological hazards in the workplace.
“Everyone deserves to be safe at work – that means free from physical harm as well as mental or psychological abuse,” stated McClinton, who represents parts of Delaware County and Philadelphia. Current Pennsylvania laws do not classify bullying and verbal intimidation as workplace abuse, despite estimates suggesting that one in two U.S. workers experiences workplace bullying, impacting approximately 80 million annually.
Policy Committee Chairman Ryan Bizzarro, representing portions of Erie County, highlighted the severe human and economic costs of workplace bullying. He pointed out that workers subjected to such abuse often suffer from anxiety, depression, and burnout. “There is a great human cost being paid by our workers, but there are also negative economic ramifications that could be corrected by passing the Workplace Psychological Safety Act,” Bizzarro remarked. He noted that the financial consequences of workplace bullying include higher turnover rates, reduced productivity, and low morale.
In the United States, Puerto Rico stands alone in having legal protections against workplace psychological abuse. However, other states such as Rhode Island and Massachusetts are exploring similar legislative measures. Studies indicate that the implementation of such laws leads to a decrease in workplace bullying rates.
The hearing featured compelling testimonies from several experts and advocates. Notable speakers included Lauren J. Footman, CEO of Lauren J. Footman LLC; Michelle Warner, an attorney, certified executive coach, and founder of MW Coaching and Consulting LLC; Dr. Stephanie N. Perry, CEO of Crown Innovative Solutions and a workplace civility advocate; Kiana Michelle Jackson, an advocate for workplace safety; and Christopher Hallock, Deputy Secretary of Safety and Management Relations at the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.
The testimonies underscored the pressing need for legal protections to safeguard workers from psychological abuse. Advocates argue that such measures are not only essential for the mental well-being of employees but also beneficial for the overall economic health of organizations.
As the discussion on workplace bullying gains momentum, the call for a Psychological Safety Act represents a critical step toward creating safer and more respectful work environments for all Pennsylvanians. The initiative seeks to address what researchers term a “silent epidemic,” more prevalent than workplace sexual harassment, and aims to foster a culture of psychological safety in workplaces across the state.
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