All You Should Know About Workplace Bullying: Signs, Examples & Coping Strategies
What is Workplace Bullying?
Workplace bullying is defined as the repeated unfavorable treatment of a person in the workplace by another or others, which may be regarded as unjustified and unacceptable workplace behavior.
It comprises intimidating, offending, degrading, or humiliating a worker in front of coworkers, clients, or customers. However, bullies can be supervisors, subordinates, co-workers, and colleagues.
There is no gainsaying that workplace bullying has become rampant and prevalent in our world today.
Examples of Workplace Bullying
Workplace bullying can take many forms and can have serious negative effects on the victim’s mental health, job performance, and overall well-being.
Here are some examples of workplace bullying.
1. Verbal abuse, including shouting, yelling, or using offensive language.
2. Physical intimidation, such as standing too close, invading personal space, or making threatening gestures.
3. Exclusion or isolation from work-related activities, meetings, or projects.
4. Assigning unreasonable workloads or deadlines.
5. Criticizing or belittling an employee in front of others.
6. Spreading false rumors or gossip about an employee.
7. Giving constant and unfair criticism
8. Blaming without factual justification
9. Stealing credit for other employees’ work
10. Sabotaging or undermining an employee’s work or reputation.
11. Withholding important information or resources needed to perform a job.
How to Cope with Workplace Bullying
Certainly, coping with workplace bullying can be a challenging experience, however, there is a variety of coping strategies that can be helpful for you.
1. Practice self-care
It’s essential to prioritize your physical and emotional well-being when coping with workplace bullying. This can include taking breaks throughout the day to stretch or meditate, getting regular exercise, eating well-balanced meals, and getting enough sleep. Additionally, it can be helpful to engage in hobbies or activities that bring you joy and help you relax.
2. Focus on your strengths
When faced with bullying behavior, it’s common to feel powerless and overwhelmed. To combat these feelings, try to focus on your strengths and accomplishments. Make a list of your successes, skills, and positive feedback you’ve received from coworkers or supervisors. This can help boost your self-confidence and remind you of your value as an employee.
3. Set boundaries
If possible, try to set clear boundaries with the person who is bullying you. This can involve politely declining invitations to engage in negative conversations or setting limits on how much time you spend with them. Be firm, yet respectful, and remember that it’s okay to prioritize your well-being.
4. Seek support
It’s crucial to have a support system in place when dealing with workplace bullying. Talk to trusted coworkers, friends, or family members about your experiences, or consider seeking the help of a therapist or counselor. Support groups or online communities can also provide a safe space to share your feelings and experiences with others who have been through similar situations.
5. Take action
Depending on the severity of the bullying behavior, it may be necessary to take action to address the situation. This can involve speaking with a supervisor or HR representative, filing a formal complaint, or seeking legal advice. While taking action can be intimidating, it’s important to prioritize your safety and well-being.
ALSO READ: 6 Ways To Survive A Toxic WorkPlace
Remember that coping with workplace bullying can take time, and it’s okay to seek help and support as needed. By prioritizing your well-being and taking proactive steps to address the behavior, you can overcome the challenges of workplace bullying and regain a sense of control and empowerment.
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