Workplace bullying is frequently overlooked, yet it impacts countless employees across organizations everywhere. Whether it’s subtle intimidation, harsh criticism, or blatant harassment, bullying can leave individuals feeling isolated, stressed, and unable to perform at their best.
Anyone can experience bullying in the workplace; a coworker, supervisor, boss, or others can be on either side of bullying as the perpetrator or the victim.
What is Workplace Bullying?
Workplace bullying is a form of abuse that can occur once or repeatedly. It can include intimidating, offending, degrading, or humiliating people within the workplace.
There are many examples of workplace bullying, including:
- Making unreasonable demands
- Sending aggressive emails, texts, calls, or notes
- Purposely excluding or isolating someone
- Spreading rumors around the workplace
- Giving hostile glares or other intimidating gestures
- Threatening someone
- Or, deliberately insulting others
What to Do!
When dealing with workplace bullying:
- Keep a personal record: Make note of the date and time of the incident, who is performing these acts, what they’re saying or doing, where it happens, who else was involved, and how it made you feel
- Stay up to date with your company’s workplace bullying policy: Check if your company has a bullying and harassment policy, this will give you a good idea of who to talk to about the issue, what processes to follow, and what the consequences may be for the perpetrator
- Ask the bullying behavior to stop: Try communicating with the person about how their actions make you feel, sometimes this is enough to end the bullying
- And, take it to HR or a manager: If communicating with the bully doesn’t help, bring up the issue with a trustworthy HR member or manager
If you witness someone being bullied, address the situation calmly and respectfully with the person involved, and make sure to report it to a supervisor or HR member so they can take appropriate action.
If you are a supervisor and an employee makes you aware of a workplace bullying issue:
- Take the complaint or situation seriously and investigate promptly
- Address the bullying behavior and the impact it has on others
- Asses the reach and overall impact of the bullying
- And, discuss appropriate steps with an HR member
Employer Responsibilities
As an employer, some ways to minimize and prevent bullying may include:
- Creating an Anti-Bullying Policy: Develop and communicate a clear anti-bullying policy that includes what bullying is, the consequences, and the process for reporting incidents
- Promote a respectful work environment: Foster a workplace environment based on respect, collaboration, and inclusion. Encourage open communication and team-building activities
- Train employees: Provide regular training on recognizing bullying behavior, the impact of it, and how to handle conflicts
- Encourage reporting: Create a safe and confidential reporting process where employees feel safe and comfortable raising concerns without the fear of retaliation
- Investigate complaints: When complaints are made, take them seriously, and investigate them promptly
- Support victims of bullying: Provide support including counseling services, and ensure they feel heard and protected
- And, implement consequences: Ensure employees understand workplace bullying is not acceptable. Hold individuals accountable and ensure disciplinary actions are consistent and fair
Resources
Workplace bullying can sometimes be considered a form of workplace violence. In such cases, OSHA offers a dedicated webpage with valuable information on workplace violence, including its definition, who may be at risk, and strategies for reducing it.
OSHA also provides a webpage titled “OSHA Field Safety and Health Management System (SHMS) Manual” which includes a workplace violence incident report form. This form may be used to report incidents of bullying, but the reporting process ultimately depends on your company’s specific policies and procedures.
Conclusion
Workplace bullying is a serious issue that affects both individuals and organizations as a whole. By acknowledging the problem, fostering open communication, and taking proactive steps to prevent and address bullying, employers and employees can work together to create a healthier, more respectful work environment.
It’s time to prioritize kindness and respect at work, ensuring that everyone feels valued and supported.