WORKPLACE BULLYING
There are many unfortunate truths about the working world. One of these is that no matter how old you are or what type of work you do, you can encounter workplace bullying. Workplace bullies are a lot like schoolyard bullies in the sense that they prey on their peers’ sense of self-esteem in an effort to resolve their own insecurity. However, the bullying going on in the workplace can take a variety of different forms.
FIRST LET’S LOOK AT THE NUMBERS:
2017 surveys from workplaces across America detailed the epidemic that is workplace bullying. Bullying is defined by the surveys as repeated abusive conduct that is threatening, humiliating, or intimidating. It includes both work sabotage and verbal abuse. Ignoring minor disturbances, the survey only detailed the most intense forms of bullying. Despite this, the numbers reported reveals major problems in the workplace.
SOME OF THE MAJOR FINDINGS:
38% of Americans are exposed to bullying: 19% are bullied & 19% are witnesses
61% of Americans are aware of bullying in their workplace
61% of bullies are superiors to the victim
37% of bullies operate in groups
40% of the victims are believed to experience some health effects
29% of the victims remain silent
When you recognize bullying in your workplace, you can make a conscious effort to speak up against it. Choose not to engage with the bully and instead, discuss your observations and experience with your supervisor. Below are four ways bullying can occur in the workplace.
IGNORING AND ISOLATING
Ignoring an individual’s contributions to the workplace and isolating him or her from others are forms of bullying. Similarly, invalidating an individual’s concerns can also be used to silence him or her. These forms of workplace bullying are often used to maintain control over the victim by limiting his or her range of acceptable behaviors and opinions.
PITTING EMPLOYEES AGAINST EACH OTHER
Some competition among employees can be a healthy workplace dynamic. But when competition becomes backstabbing, sabotaging, and an environment where employees feel they cannot trust each other, the workplace is not a healthy one. Managers who encourage this type of behavior by playing favorites and rewarding antisocial behavior are bullies.
HARASSMENT
Harassment is defined as persistent, unwanted contact that negatively impacts an individual’s ability to perform his or her job. It can include the following:
Unwanted physical contact;
Harsh, abusive or derogatory language;
Exposing the victim to graphic, disturbing material; and
Mocking or belittling the victim.
THREATS AND INTIMIDATION
When a supervisor has to resort to threats and intimidation to manage staff, he or she is a bully. Individuals who threaten and intimidate their peers in the workplace are also bullies. Threats can be physical, but they can also be threats involving blackmail and threats of sabotage. Like other forms of workplace bullying, intimidation and threats are used to control the victim’s behavior, sometimes in an effort to keep him or her from speaking up about other abuses in the workplace.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
What you can do about bullying in your workplace depends on a variety of factors. Are you the one being bullied? Are you witnessing the bullying? Maybe you are a boss and you received a complaint? Your relationship to the situation largely dictates the options available to you.
Despite this, there are some common steps that anyone can take to prevent bullying and promote a positive, healthy workplace.
Know what bullying looks like. Bullying is repeated abusive conduct that can be threatening, intimidating, or humiliating. This can be physical or verbal.
Keep an eye on targets of bullying. No one is exempt from workplace bullying, but some people more susceptible. According to HuffPost, “those who are very skilled at their jobs, favorites of management, those well-liked in the company and those not particularly aggressive” are more likely to be targeted. Bullying often occurs in hierarchical relationships – from those who have some sort of power over other employees.
Document all occurrences of bullying. Maybe you aren’t ready to report or confront the situation immediately. Documenting everything will help build your case when you are ready to confront the bully.
Know how to report bullying in your workplace. Generally, this involves reporting to your boss, but in the event that your boss is the offender, it’s important to know the other options available to you.
Always encourage a positive work environment. This can be achieved through company-wide policies or training courses. If you don’t have the type of power to enact such options, promote a positive environment within your coworking circle. Never turn a blind eye to bullying.
WORK WITH OUR TULSA STAFFING AGENCY TO FIND YOUR NEXT JOB
A workplace where bullying is a regular occurrence is not a healthy work environment. Work with our team of staffing specialists at Stand-by Personnel to find a healthy, productive work environment.