Bullying in the Workplace
When people mention bullying, many of us automatically think bullying in school – yet it’s responsible for 30 to 50% of all stress-related illness in the workplace.
Bullying, says the Health & Safety Executive, costs employers 80 million working days and up to £2 billion in lost revenue every year. It also results in poor morale and productivity and higher staff turnover.
Bullying can take many different forms, from actual physical violence and threats – to name calling, sarcasm and testing. Bullying that doesn’t include physical abuse can be just as hard to deal with and is often more hurtful than actually being punched or kicked.
How do you deal with bullying when it’s happened to you?
Admit to yourself that you’re bullied and that behaviour being aimed at you is unfair and unjustified. Try and look at your situation – and the bully, obviously. Ask yourself – “would I accept this behaviour in someone I didn’t know?”
Believe in yourself. Don’t believe what the bully says of you. You know what they say isn’t true.
If bullying is affecting you physically, go to see your doctor. A talk with your GP or a spell of sick leave may give you the space in which to bounce back.
Try to stand up for yourself. If you need to, take assertiveness training.
Train yourself to be able to stare someone out – it gives the impression of confidence – and teach yourself to say “no” emphatically, then walk away.
Check out your body language. If you stoop, hang your head and hunch over, you may be giving off ‘victim’ signals. Practice walking with confidence, standing straight with head held high and taking deep breaths.
Try not to show that the bullying has upset you – they may become bored with getting no reaction from you and leave you alone.
Try using humour or a well-chosen word to disarm the bully - the important thing is to say something confidently back to them.
Tell the bully how their behaviour is affecting you.
Don’t suffer in silence – talk to someone you trust.
Tell a person in authority, giving as many details as you can. If you are too nervous to see this person on your own, take a friend along.
Find out about your rights and, if relevant, get legal advice.
Consider using any relevant complaints procedure, or if this doesn’t work, go to an industrial tribunal or court.