Bullying or bullying is a form of aggressive behavior repeatedly, whose purpose is to hurt, demean, and intimidate someone. Bullying can be in the form of physical, verbal, or psychological actions.
Although bullying it is often experienced by children and adolescents, this can also happen to adults, for example at work. What are the signs of bullying in the workplace and how to deal with it?
Signs Bullying in the workplace
Bullying or bullying in the workplace can cause stress, reduce productivity, and create an unhealthy work environment. It is important for you to recognize signs of bullying in the workplace as follows:
Unfair treatment
If you are often given a very tough task compared to other people for no apparent reason, this could be a sign of bullying. Especially if the treatment is accompanied by excessive criticism that doesn't build on your work, or is looking for mistakes you don't make.
Social isolation
Perpetrators of bullying often try to isolate you from other co-workers. For example, not inviting you to an important meeting, not providing relevant information, or deliberately ignoring your whereabouts. Social isolation can make a person feel unappreciated and abandoned.
Also read: Recognize Types And Patterns Of Bullying In Adults
Insulting and demeaning
Another clear sign of bullying is demeaning insults and comments. This can be in the form of harsh comments, ridicule, or mocking repeatedly. People who do bullying often try to embarrass the victim in front of other co-workers.
Covert threats
Bullying it doesn't always have to be physical. Covert threats such as providing work with an unrealistic deadline, threatening to reduce positions, threats of firing, or cutting salaries if you don't think it's also a form of bullying. This action is usually done to make you feel anxious and feel insecure at work.
When someone experiences bullying, they will slowly show a change in attitude. Victim bullying may become quieter, often absent, or show signs of stress such as fatigue or excessive anxiety.
How To Overcome Bullying in the workplace
Overcoming bullying in the workplace is indeed very difficult and can add to stress, especially if you experience it alone. It is better to seek support from trusted colleagues, mentors, family, or friends to speak and get support and advice.
In addition, there are several steps that might help you overcome this situation:
Recognizing and acknowledging the existence of bullying
The next step to overcome bullying is to recognize that this behavior does occur. Often the victim of bullying feels embarrassed or afraid to admit that he is being treatedbully. By acknowledging the existence of problems, this is an important step in finding solutions.
Documenting incidents
It is important to record or document incidents of bullying, including time, place, what happened, and who was involved in detail. This documentation can be strong evidence if one day you need to report this matter to management or other authorities.
Also read: Tips On Managing Stress To Stay At Home In The Workplace
Talking to the perpetrators
In some cases, you may need to speak directly to the perpetrators of bullying. Sometimes, the perpetrators may not realize that their actions are a form of bullying. Speak decisively and clearly about how their behavior affects you and ask them to stop it.
Report to the authorities
When you talk to the perpetrators it doesn't work and you feel even more uncomfortable at work, then you need to report this issue to your superiors or HR department. A healthy workplace should have an anti-bullying policy and be ready to take action to protect employees.
Consider legal action
If workplace bullying continues, consider taking legal action. The law can protect you from unfair treatment and bullying in the workplace.
Bullying in the workplace can cause high stress that is sometimes difficult to overcome on your own. This can cause you to experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, and a bad mood. If you experience it, immediately talk to a more expert person like a psychologist.
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NHS UK (2022). Bullying at work. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/advice-for-life-situations-and-events/support-for-workplace-bullying/
Sherri Gordon (2023). Signs and Effects of Workplace Bullying. Available from: https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-the-effects-of-workplace-bullying-460628
Arlin Cuncic, MA (2023). How to Deal With Adult Bullying. Available from: https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-deal-with-adult-bullying-5187158
Better Help (2024). The Psychology Behind Bullying. Available from: https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/bullying/the-psychology-of-bullying-understanding-whats-behind-the-bully/
Eleesha Lockett (2024). Can Therapy Help Stop Bullying?. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/bullying-therapy