Facing Bullying at Work? Here’s How to Stay Strong and Stand Up Against it!

Workplace bullying is real and targeted behavior can happen at work. The worst part is that it is spiteful, offensive, mocking, and at times intimidating. It almost forms a pattern such as targeting practical jokes, giving unclear directions, and incorrect deadlines. There are verbal threats, humiliation, and much more. Unjust criticism and unduly harsh performance monitoring are just a few ways to continue bullying at the workplace. There is a thin line of difference between constructive criticism and disciplinary actions, so it is important to find and know the difference.

According to the Workplace Bullying Institute, there are more than 60 million working people in the United States who are impacted by this practice. Are you being bullied too? Well, then it may be impacting your mental health in more ways than one, and here’s how you can handle it at work.

Know More About Your Company’s Policy

If you’re being bullied at work or know someone who is facing such problems, then research more about your company’s policies to find out the proper protocols to report such behavior. Most organizations have a no-tolerance policy for these practices, which may include involving guidelines when you are being subjected to or witnessing something.

If your organization does not have a policy or the current policy may need updating, you may have to keep a check on the remote work activities. You should also then speak to your manager or HR department about introducing a new company policy to protect the employees from abuse.

Size Up the Situation

If you feel you are being bullied at work, take a break to find out more about the situation. Handle it by taking a calm and grounded perspective, that’s the only way you can determine the best way to handle the situation. People may make mistakes, so find out whether it is a one-time incident or a regular affair leading to regular abuse and harassment.

Take Stock of Your Mental Well-being

Most people are afraid to speak up when they are being bullied. They may worry about the fact what others are thinking, especially when the bully happens to be someone in the superior hierarchy. This may even put their livelihood at risk. Ensure you have a mental health professional who will be able to help you cope up with this ongoing stress.

Talk to the HR

If you are hesitant about talking to the individual who is bullying you directly, discuss it with your manager or human resources. Choose the best course of action in this regard, one that helps you to deal with this type of situation. Speak your mind about what are you feeling inside and how it is impacting your productivity and wellbeing.

It’s About Them

We know it is very difficult to take action but it is important not to take bullying personally. Remember, when someone is bullying you, there may be something wrong with them. A bully acts the way he/she does because of insecurity, jealously, or sometimes their insatiable greed to take control. Bullies often target people who are high-performing individuals. Ensure you set yourself emotional boundaries and stop yourself from reacting or showing what you feel at the workplace. When you react, you let the bullies win.

Direct Confrontation

While the most difficult aspect of addressing a bullying situation is taking it to the bully, but it may often be the best way to communicate with one, especially if it becomes impossible for you to take the matter to the higher authority. Stay as calm as possible and try to respond to the situation more rationally and professionally. There is no point in trying to behave the same way as they are doing so. The best way to deal with the situation is to avoid an accusatory tone. Tell them exactly how you feel about the situation. Instead of showing anger and hate, try to give the conversation a positive spin. Kill them with niceness.

It is said – you are as much to blame as the bully if you let the bullying go on without protest. So, if you are sure of a situation and identify the bully, talk to him/her and let them know in a conciliatory way first that you do not condone this kind of behavior. If things still do not turn right, you must certainly take it to the higher authority to help resolve the matter.