The Snitch

Bully-proof yourself

How can you tell if you are being bullied at work?

When the term “hostile workplace” is brought up, people generally tend to think that it refers to an environment where one has to subdue to another’s overbearing ways of threats, harassment, belittling, verbal abusing, or excessive criticism.

But because there is no pre-determined definition to the term “bullying” in the corporate world, does it mean that you are being bullied if you feel isolated and singled out at work?

Some bullying tactics to help you identify if you have fallen victim to your workplace bullying include:

• Made up rules (generally against you)
• Silent treatment
• Accused of things you have not done
• Discounting your personal opinions, work, etc.
• Non-verbal intimidation (e.g. stared at)
• Encouraging others to turn against you as well
• Starting rumours (which are about you and your work and generally negative)
• Constant criticism
• Harsh treatment
• Ignoring and not commenting on good work

Stress is often a consequence for victims of bullying. Hence, it is essential to take steps to resolve the situation:

• Speak to the bully
• Tell someone else that you trust
• If you are part of a Union, speak to them
• Keep a note and diary of every incident occurred
• Do not fight back or get into a debate with
• If it gets really bad and none of the above has led to the bullying stopping, make a formal complaint and go through the grievance procedures

(Via)