Bullying at work is destructive, intentional behavior that takes place there. It could be sarcastic, insulting, mocking, or threatening. It develops a pattern and is typically directed towards one or a small group of people.
What Is Workplace Bullying?
Workplace bullying is verbal, physical, social or psychological abuse by one person or group of people at work to another person. For example: yelling, name calling, threatening and isolation, keeping the person out of work or staff conversations.
How To Deal With It?
If you are experiencing work place bullying or incivility here’s what you can do;
Step 1: Evaluate Objectively
Assess the situation carefully and objectively. Ask yourself the following;
- Is this real or am I overly sensitive to the situation?
- Is it happening only to me?
- How often is this happening?
- Is the behavior unreasonable?
- Is the behavior a risk to my health & safety?
If the answer to these questions indicates of bullying, it’s time to go ahead with the next step;
Step 2: Keep A Diary
Document everything like time, place, date, what did the bully/perpetrator do/say, how did you react, and what actions did you take to reduce/stop the occurrences. This will help you in two ways; first it will help you assess the situations objectively and second it will help you document evidences to build a strong case in your support.
Step 3: Talk To Someone You Trust
Share your views and experience with someone you trust and confide into. If you do not have anyone, you can approach support services like HR or EAP counselors. This will help you in gaining confidence to deal with the bully as well as to place your case before the authorities.
Step 4: Approach The Bully (Only If You Feel Safe & Confident)
Be assertive and ask the bully to stop. Remember that what the bully is doing with you is not about you or your work but rather it is his/her own need for security, control and power. The more you fret, the more the perpetrator will be encouraged. Be aware about the fact that aggression for aggression doesn’t work, be calm and assertive while asking the bully to stop.
If you choose to deal with the situation personally you should consider:
- Acting as early as possible
- Raising your concerns informally and in a non-confrontational manner
- Not retaliating
- Focusing on unwanted behavior rather than the person
- Being open to feedback
Step 5: Report
After approaching the bully if the situation continues or worsens; it’s better to report. You can report to you supervisor or manager. If the bully is your immediate reporting head, you can approach your health & safety authorities or HR or EAP Counselors.
Related: How can managers help shape their employees behavior?
Summarizing It All
Coping with bullying in the workplace can be really challenging, it’s best to act as early as possible to facilitate better working conditions. Thus giving you a sense of control and relieving you from victimization.