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When we picture bullying, we thinking of little kids directly harassing one another, from pointing and laughing to calling each other names. Although workplace bullying occurs, we don't generally picture adults committing such direct harassment. In fact, organizations have put lots of money into providing anti-bullying talks for their employees. Yet, research has shown that a very common workplace behavior goes on without much attention--and it is actually worse than direct harassment.
A survey that was carried out by the University of British Columbia revealed that ignoring others is something that is socially acceptable, especially when in comparison to bullying. Ostracism is something that people might overlook, but the action actually constitutes as bullying. It's a form of harassment, and studies show that it has even worse effects than direct harassment does! Those who endured with colleagues ignoring them felt more inclined to quit their job. They had lower job satisfactions and a greater amount of health problems, such as migraines.
You might have heard the saying that if you don't have something nice to say, then don't say anything at all. This can actually lead people to feel more worthless. People who have been ostracized are more likely to quit their jobs than people who were directly bullied at work. Although there is a tremendous effort to counter bullying in school and at work, abuse is not always direct or obvious!
Source material from PsyBlog