22 September 2003
Media Release
For Immediate Release
0800 ZERO BULLY gets massive response
Over 1100 calls were made to 0800 ZERO BULLY (0800 937 628) in the first three days of operation, according to helpline
founder Stratos Ltd.
The national helpline, set up to provide advice and information to targets of workplace bullying, the bullies themselves
and organisations, was launched last week in response to what is considered to be a growing problem in New Zealand.
“The number of calls received last week supports our concern that New Zealand has a big problem with workplace bullying
which results in unhappy and unproductive employees” says Anne Tucker, founder of the helpline and Managing Director of
organisational development company Stratos Ltd.
“Many people experienced difficulties trying to get through to the helpline last week, which Telecom has now rectified.”
“The majority of calls have come from targets of bullies, who have been delighted to find a place where they can talk
freely about the problem and seek advice and support.”
In addition, the Workplace Bullying Institute has been set up this week which will eventually take over the running of
0800 ZERO BULLY along with other support and information services.
The helpline coincides with the release of Andrea Needham’s book “Workplace Bullying - the costly business secret”,
published by Penguin and distributed around New Zealand bookstores last week.
Workplace bullying is estimated to affect half of our working population and to cost the New Zealand economy millions of
dollars each year in losses from absenteeism, high staff turnover and reduced staff performance. More information can be
found about workplace bullying on www.beyondbullying.co.nz
ENDS