When it comes to your job, you may have little control over who you have to work with. This can lead to different types of issues, including workplace bullying. If you encounter a bully where you work, you can still stay safe while on the job. Here’s a look at ways to do this.

How to Spot a Workplace Bully

If you are trying to determine when you are being bullied in the workplace, there are a few ways to tell. In some instances, a person may try to control you at work, or they might attempt to make you seem incompetent when it comes to being able to do your job.

Here are a few examples:

• When a person is constantly saying bad things about you or talking down to you.
• If an individual always gives unwanted advice on your job performance.
• When a coworker is intentionally messing up a project to make you look bad.
• Once someone starts to suggest that you go work somewhere else instead of the company you are employed with.

To find out more about bullying, you can check out this website.

 

What You Can Do

You do not need to endure bullying in the workplace. You have a few options available to you if you are affected by a bully when you are on the clock.

Talk to Human Resources

One approach is reporting a bully to human resources. This is usually the department to talk to if you encounter an issue with someone you work with. There is often a plan in place, where the department will investigate the matter you bring to them.

It may be helpful for you to have evidence, when possible, to provide to HR. For instance, if a coworker has threatened you through text message or email, or you have written down when they have insulted you, the HR department may want to look at these documents.

You can ask your representative what the policies are on bullying, so you know what your rights are as an employee as well.

Talk to Others

If you don’t feel safe at work, this may be an issue that you want to talk to your friends and family about. While you can talk to other workers in your department about the bully, this may not be a good idea, since they might find out that you were discussing them. While this isn’t against the rules, it could hurt your HR case against them.

Instead, tell a friend how you are being treated at work and what is being said to you. They may be able to provide perspective or advice. Perhaps they have experienced bullying at work as well and they can tell you how they handled the situation.

Talk to a Therapist

When you feel like your mental health has been affected by a bully at your job, it may be necessary to talk to a therapist about what is occurring. They should be able to provide professional advice and treatment options if these are necessary.

Moreover, they will likely offer a greater understanding of your rights at work, so you can know what recourse is out there for you to take advantage of. You may also talk to them about how to defuse situations with your coworkers and options for alleviating any anxiety you are experiencing as well.

Conclusion

Workplace bullying can happen to you, but you don’t have to be silent about it. You can go to your human resources department to report mistreatment. Additionally, you may want to discuss what you are going through to a loved one or a therapist. No matter who you choose to confide in, you can gain valuable insight and determine what you want to do about the bullying you are facing.