Workplace bullying can be defined as the repeated less favourable treatment of a person by another or others in the workplace, which may be considered unreasonable and inappropriate workplace practice. The workplace bully intimidates, offends, degrades or humiliates a worker, possibly in front of co-workers, clients, or customers.
The bullies can be supervisors, subordinates, co-workers, and colleagues. They often operate within the established rules and policies of their organisation. While the bully’s actions are not necessarily illegal and may not even be against the policies, they cause damages to both the targeted employee and the workplace.
Examples of workplace bullying includes the following:
- Intimidating or undermining employees by demeaning their work standards, not giving them credit, setting them up for failure and constantly reminding them of old mistakes.
- Threatening employees’ personal self-esteem and work status.
- Isolating employees from opportunities, information, and interaction with others.
- Giving impossible deadlines, creating undue pressure and stress, and overworking employees
- Giving constant and unfair criticism
- Blaming without factual justification
- Making unreasonable demands
- Giving hostile glares and other intimidating gestures
- Yelling, screaming, and swearing
- Purposely excluding or isolating a coworker
- Sending aggressive emails or notes
- Monopolizing supplies and other resources
- Engaging in an excessive social bantering, teasing, and humiliation
- Deliberately insulting others and taking part in behind-the-back putdowns
- Monitoring another excessively
- Stealing credit for other employees’ work
How to handle workplace bullying?
It can be a challenging experience if you face workplace bullying. However, here is how you can manage it:
1. Practice self-care
It is important to put your physical and emotional well-being first when coping with workplace bullying. This means taking breaks throughout the day to stretch or meditate, getting regular exercise, eating well-balanced meals, and getting enough sleep. In addition, you should engage in hobbies or activities that bring you joy and help you relax.
2. Amplify your strengths
It is not uncommon to feel powerless and intimidated when faced with workplace bullying. In order to control these feelings, try to focus on your strengths and accomplishments. Document your successes, skills, and positive feedback that you have gotten from coworkers or supervisors. Doing so would boost your self-confidence and remind you that you are a valuable employee.
3. Create boundaries
Try to create clear boundaries with the person who is bullying you. This can involve politely declining invitations to engage in negative conversations. You can also set limits on how much time you spend with them. Being firm and respectful in your behaviour will drive home the message. Remember you have to prioritise your well-being.
4. Have support systems
Talking to trusted coworkers, friends, or family members about your experiences would help you manage workplace bullying. You can also go ahead to seek the help of a therapist or counsellor. Join support groups or online communities they also provide a safe space to share your feelings and experiences with others in similar situations.
5. Take action
Taking action to address the situation depends on the level of bullying behaviour. Such actions involve speaking with a supervisor or HR representative, filing a formal complaint, or seeking legal advice. Even though taking action can be intimidating, you must always put your safety and well-being first.