You all are well aware of the workplace which actually exists. It is upsetting for both the employer & the employee. Bullying includes the following:
- Uncertain directions or inaccurate deadlines related to job duties (on purpose)
- Mischievous practical jokes
- Verbal abuse, humiliation, and threats
- Being unable to give an individual a valid reason for denying them time off repeatedly
- Criticism that is excessively harsh or unjust
- Over-monitoring a person’s performance
Is there anything that is not considered bullying?
There are certain patterns that everyone needs to deal with even if the worker is uncomfortable with them.
Bullying at the workplace is not considered to be reasonable action management. Managers are responsible for monitoring the quality of work of employees and giving them feedback. The staff members must however be treated with dignity and without degrading or humiliating them during these conversations. Having efficient and constructive communication is an essential component of any business.
The problem can escalate or be mismanaged if not handled correctly, and it can become bullying.
Is your workplace hostile? How can you handle it?
You shouldn’t sweat in front of them. Put your best face forward. Control the anger when dealing with workplace bullying.
Put an emphasis on healing and support.
Get professional help if you’re experiencing mental illness. Build relationships with friends and family outside of your workplace.
It is important to build up other areas of your life in order to overcome the harm that workplace bullying can do to your relationships and self-esteem. No matter who is bullying you, you don’t have to respond the same way.
Don’t retaliate.
Retaliating will only push the bully even further and make your life at work that much more stressful. It sort of goes hand-in-hand with staying calm, but not retaliating will only get them as angry as possible.
Document everything.
HR will need to get involved if this is a big enough issue that everyone needs to pitch in. Make sure that emails are saved, that colleagues who have witnessed such behaviors are witnesses, that you record the time and date of the events, etc. Provide all the information HR needs so that they can deal with things appropriately.
Knowing the warning signs.
It is up to you as an employer to be aware of potential warning signs, as not everyone will report bullying and many suffer in silence. Creating an environment of psychological safety is also a crucial first step to cultivating an environment where employees feel comfortable raising concerns with you, management, or other colleagues. A successful workplace requires psychological safety.
Communication about bullying shouldn’t stop after onboarding. You need to assure your employees that you are taking it seriously from the very beginning.
Better together.
Bullies are hard to deal with. However, you are not alone. You must seek outside legal counsel if you feel out of your depth in certain situations. In addition to this, you can find a great deal of information online.
