Protect Yourself From Bullying in the Workplace

Protect Yourself From Bullying in the WorkplaceProtect Yourself From Bullying in the WorkplaceBullying can take many forms, but its generally considered to be any behavior that is unwelcome, offensive, unsolicited, or objectionable. It can be physical, psychological, or verbal. Although its commonly associated with the playground and sometimes with the Internet among older youths, it can happen in the workplace as well. It typically manifests in some specific ways, and there are steps you can take to protect yourself. Threats to Personal Standing Common forms of workplace bullying can take the form of personal attacks that seem to have little to do with your job or the workplace environment. It can involve spreadingrumors about someone, or hurtful gossip or innuendo about a coworker. It can include yelling, name-calling, mocking, insulting, or ridicule In face-to-face confrontations. The abuse can become physical when it involves unwanted contact or gestures intended to intimidat e or threaten an individual. It can also involve offensive photos or objects that might be placed on the victims desk, in his locker, or anywhere else where hes likely to come across it. What to Do? Start by Stand Your Ground First, know that the bully will most likely continue with her behavior as long as she knows she can do so without reprisal. It might be difficult, particularly if youre not the assertive type, but you have to draw a line in the sand. Let her know clearly that you dont appreciate what shes doing and youre not going to tolerate it. This might not stop her, but it could. Youre not easy prey anymore. Do it every time she approaches you in a negative manner. You might also throw in a threat of your own If she doesnt stop, youll report her behavior to your supervisor. Document the Behavior You dont want the situation to turn into a he-said-she-said scenario if you do report your bullys behavior, so take care to document his every action. What time did it occu r? When did it occur? Who was nearby and might have seen or heard the incident? Keep a journal or a log so you have documented proof. Take the Matter to Your Supervisor You can take the matter to your supervisor if youre being tormented by a co-worker, but this might make the situation worse if your supervisor reprimands or otherwise imposes some type of punishment against the instigator. Theres also the risk that the bully is just so valuable to the company that no one is going to take steps against him. Your supervisor might be his best friend off the job. But in either case, you should at least try. The situation probably wont be resolved without their cooperation if you cant make the bully back down on your own. If Your Supervisor Is the Problem Its also possible that your supervisor is the problem. Go over his head if possible. In this case, it can be particularly important to keep notes and documentation of the incidents, including the names of those who witnessed them . Those your supervisor reports to are probably not going to be happy to hear this information. They might want it to just go away so they dont have to deal with it...and youll make it easier for them to do that if you jump in with unsubstantiated allegations. They might also take an unfavorable view of you for causing problems- unless you can back up what youre telling them with that documentation and cooperative witnesses. If your supervisor is the owner of the company, or if you get no satisfaction when speaking to his supervisor, speak to a lawyer about possibly filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. You might have grounds to do this, but you must report the incidents before you file a lawsuit. You then have only six months to act after notifying your employer of the problem or asking your boss to stop his abusive behavior. Federal Law Theres no specific law against bullying in the workplace unless it occurs due to discriminatory factors, so its important that you know your rights. Many bullying behaviors mirror the definition of a hostile work environment or workplace discrimination. If theyre directed at you by a superior, this might be considered harassment and if your superiors actions are based on discriminatory factors, you might have grounds for legal action. Many areas have free local legal clinics for this type of problem. Spend some time with an attorney and explain whats been happening to you. Find out if the bullys behavior legally crosses a line and where you stand. Ask about other options you might have under the circumstances of your own unique situation. Bullying vs. aHostile Work Environment Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 makes it illegal for an employer,manager, or supervisor to take certain actions against employees based on their sex, religion, race, national origin, or color. An employer can be held responsible for the actions of management and supervisory staff. Harassment becomes illeg al when tolerating it becomes a condition of your employment- you either put up with it or youre out of a job. Bullying rises to the level of harassment when any reasonable employee would consider the behavior uncomfortable, offensive, or hostile. Some examples and warning signs of bullying crossing over the threshold into discrimination and a hostile work environmentinclude Denying an employee access to resources, assignments, projects, or opportunitiesLittle or no feedback on performanceWithholding information thats essential to performing your jobFailing to invite you or let you know about an essential meetingThreatening job lossExcessive monitoring or micro-managementAssigning tasks that cannot be completed by the deadline and setting unrealistic and impossible goalsInterference or sabotageTreating you differently than your peers and co-workers are treatedExcessive, impossible, conflicting work expectations or demands Inequitable and harsh treatmentInvalid or baseless criticism, faultfinding, and unwarranted blameAccusatory or threatening statementsHumiliation, public reprimands, or obscene language This type of behavior must be repetitive and pervasive to rise to the level of a hostile work environment. It cant be something that just happens now and again. Something that happens sporadically might just be bullying. But bullying by a co-worker can be considered as creating a hostile work environment if your employer or supervisor is aware of the situation and does nothing to stop it. Moving Forward Bullies dont usually just zoom in on one person so its likely that one or more of your coworkers might be experiencing ill-treatment as well. It can help you and them if you offer your assistance based on your own experiences, and particularly if you all band together to push back against the bully. Be a mentor. Consider getting involved to help protect others. And remember, workplaces will be workplaces. In most cases, you have a lot of different personalit ies thrown into one cauldron during working hours. Drama, power struggles, and office politics are often inevitable, at least to some extent. Try to keep yourself as far removed from all this as possible. Concentrate on your own work and excellence, and let people be people.