Bullying in the workplace is "rife", with one in four employees suffering stress because of the problem, according to a report today.
Research by the Samaritans showed that four out of five workers had been bullied during their careers, leading many to consider quitting their job to move abroad.
A survey of 2,600 adults in the Republic of Ireland and in Britain found that younger workers were most vulnerable to stress and felt unable to talk with their boss or even a colleague about bullying.
Managers, clients and customers were most likely to be named as bullies, the study found.
Joe Ferns of the Samaritans said: "Job-related stress has a serious and unrecognised impact on the health of the nation and the economy, affecting concentration and efficiency.
"Positive workplaces are a big factor in keeping everyone emotionally healthy."
The Samaritans has designated February 1st as 'Stress Down Day' and urged workers to wear slippers to the office on that day as part of moves to reduce their stress levels.
Half of those questioned said they were worried about stress, a third felt employers turned a blind eye to the issue and over half had seen a colleague cry because of pressure.
TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said: "Workplace bullying can take many forms but it always causes stress and anxiety for victims. They can lose their self-confidence and in extreme cases can be driven to leave their job. If bullies are allowed to dominate a workplace, staff morale and productivity will suffer, so employers have a clear incentive to stop bullying."
PA