{"id":215398,"date":"2023-08-14T21:54:33","date_gmt":"2023-08-14T21:54:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonjouridee.com\/?p=215398"},"modified":"2024-03-26T10:09:05","modified_gmt":"2024-03-26T10:09:05","slug":"workplace-bullying-identifying-and-reporting-a-bully","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bonjouridee.com\/en\/workplace-bullying-identifying-and-reporting-a-bully\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Don\u2019t Employers Just Fire Workplace Bullies?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Do you feel bullied at your workplace? <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Bullies are common at the workplace the way horses are many at a garbage site. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>But, the fact that bullies are so many doesn’t mean that you should entertain them.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The internet has a host of tips and tricks about coping with workplace bullying. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>However, dealing with such individuals, especially when they’re your boss is sometimes not easy. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>The situation might escalate to the point that they either leave the company or you resign.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Sadly, some employees are too scared of reporting a bully, and that forms the reason why employers don’t fire workplace bullies. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>The employer simply doesn’t know that such a problem exists in their company.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The article will tell you how to handle the bully or get them fired, even if it’s your boss.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Workplace Bullying Explained<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Workplace bullying refers to targeted behavior towards a person or a group of people. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>It includes targeted practical jokes, humiliation, threats, verbal abuse, unjust criticism, overly harsh, excessive-performance monitoring, unclear directions, incorrect deadlines designed to mislead, continuous denial of requests, etc.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Bullying at the workplace affects workers. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>The good news is that there are laws that protect workers against physical harm or discrimination against people of color, those living with disabilities, and other protected groups. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>However, in most instances, bullying is mostly psychological or verbal in nature and thus not visible to others.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

How to identify Workplace Bullying<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

There are different types of bullying. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Some are subtle, while others are open. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>The best way to identify a bully is to evaluate how others view what’s happening, depending partly on circumstances. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>There is bullying when other people consider a particular behavior unreasonable and when it’s repeated over time.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The following are types of bullying behaviors.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Verbal:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong> Humiliation, mockery, gossip, jokes, other forms of spoken abuse.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Retaliation:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong> Social exclusion, accusations of lying, denial of leave, refusal of promotions, forced overtime.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Intimidation:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong> Threats, spying, invasions of privacy, social exclusion.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Work Performance:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong> Someone taking credit for your ideas, stealing your concepts, work sabotage, wrongful blame, unrealistic production goals, interference.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Bullying is different from harassment because the behavior is repetitive. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Harassment involves a single action or instance. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>However, harassment becomes bullying when it is persistent. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Harassment is illegal, especially when the actions or behavior is directed towards a protected group of people.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Workplace bullying behavior includes:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  • A coworker(s) walking away from you when you enter a room, ignoring you or not talking to you.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
  • Excluding you from team lunches, parties, chitchat, or other office culture.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
  • You’re being forced to do tasks over and above your typical duties, assigned new tasks without training or assistance.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
  • Frequent monitoring by your boss makes it hard to complete your tasks or doubt yourself.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
  • You’re being criticized or ridiculed for not doing pointless or difficult tasks.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
  • A pattern of personal belongings, work-related documents, files, and other items going missing.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    It’s the persistence of these incidents that make them bullying. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Thinking about these behaviors can cause anxiety and stress. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Because of that, you should confront the behavior and report it.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    How to Confront a Bullying Boss<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

    Employees are afraid of standing up to their bosses because of the possible repercussions. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Standing your ground may cause you to be disciplined or, worse still, lose your job. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>However, it’s worth considering it.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    Some people prefer to learn coping mechanisms, while others don’t mind confronting the bully even if it means losing their position in the company. <\/span><\/span><\/span>The route you take will have an outcome, and you should be prepared to face it.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    The following tips will help you confront your boss and handle the situation effectively.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    Be Confident and Professional<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

    A person who has a tendency to bully others first evaluates the victims before displaying unreasonable behavior. <\/span><\/span><\/span>They want to see who they can manipulate and control. <\/span><\/span><\/span>So avoid appearing defeated, insecure or nervous. <\/span><\/span><\/span>Remain strong and professional during the discussion. <\/span><\/span><\/span>Don’t give up or give in.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    Have Specific Examples<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Show how your boss’ behavior is unprofessional using specific examples. <\/span><\/span><\/span>You will be accused of overreacting if you don’t have some already prepared examples. <\/span><\/span><\/span>Usually, bullying bosses don’t accept that they’re mean to their subordinates. <\/span><\/span><\/span>Instead, they shift the blame to their juniors or brush it off. <\/span><\/span><\/span>However, you shouldn’t stand your ground, recognize the behavior as it’s, and don’t take the blame for their bad behavior.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    Continue Being Productive<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

    At times, the boss’ mean behavior can derail you at work. <\/span><\/span><\/span>However, don’t allow their bullying to interfere with your work. <\/span><\/span><\/span>Avoid discussing your manager’s behavior with your colleagues; <\/span><\/span><\/span>instead, continue to work hard. <\/span><\/span><\/span>Allowing their behavior to disrupt your work will worsen the situation because the boss will monitor you more frequently, force you to work overtime, and deny you a promotion, particularly when your projects fall behind schedule.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    SeekHelp<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

    The first step was to address the issue with your boss. <\/span><\/span><\/span>But your efforts might not yield the desired results. <\/span><\/span><\/span>If so, you can contact your HR or the person that your boss reports to. <\/span><\/span><\/span>Produce the record of the bullying incidents and the witnesses.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    Show the senior managers that your supervisor has been targeting you based on the evidence.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    Further, contact a counselor if the bullying is draining, depressing, or causing anxiety. <\/span><\/span><\/span>Ignoring its effects can lead to severe effects. <\/span><\/span><\/span>Be assertive but don’t be mean in return.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    How to Report a Bully<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

    It’s common to feel powerless when experiencing bullying. <\/span><\/span><\/span>The bully might threaten or intimidate you when they know you’re planning to report them. <\/span><\/span><\/span>In fact, they might tell you that nobody will believe you.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    Regardless of the person that triggered it, bullying is not your fault. <\/span><\/span><\/span>The bully will try to convince you that you can’t do your work well and that they’re not targeting you. <\/span><\/span><\/span>As a result, you might wonder who to tell when your boss is the perpetrator.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    The following are the steps that you should take when reporting a bully.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    Keep Track of the Bullying Incidents<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

    You will be required to provide evidence when you report the bully. <\/span><\/span><\/span>Therefore document the bullying behavior in terms of the date, time, location, and witnesses. <\/span><\/span><\/span>You may keep a digital copy of these incidents.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    Additionally, you should keep any physical evidence that proves you were bullied. <\/span><\/span><\/span>These include comments, emails, or threatening notes. <\/span><\/span><\/span>You can also keep things such as overly harsh comments on your work or denied PTO requests in a safe place. <\/span><\/span><\/span>Your goal is to store evidence that can help you prove your claims.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    Review Work Policies<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Review the employee handbook to see the outlined procedure for reporting bullying behaviors. <\/span><\/span><\/span>Go a step higher and research the state and federal policies about different types of workplace bullying and harassment.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    Reach Out to a Trusted Friend<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Talk to a trusted coworker who can offer you support. <\/span><\/span><\/span>A family member may also help you evaluate the situation and how to handle the bully.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    Report the Bully<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Talk to a designated person at your workplace if you don’t feel safe discussing it with your boss. <\/span><\/span><\/span>The best starting point is to speak to your boss if the bully is your coworker or the Human Resources. <\/span><\/span><\/span>However, the procedure is different if the boss is the one bullying you. <\/span><\/span><\/span>In this case, you can talk to the person your boss reports to, the HR, or someone higher up.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    Bring along a trusted witness and the evidence to confirm the bullying. <\/span><\/span><\/span>This can be a coworker or a supervisor that witnessed the incident.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    Seek Legal Guidance<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

    The bully might retaliate when you report them to their boss or HR. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>The situation might escalate to the extent that you are no longer productive, and the bully will use this to humiliate you.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    At this point, talking to a lawyer might be the needed solution. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>While it might be too early to take legal action, a lawyer might offer you specific advice.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    You may also talk to a therapist who can provide you with professional support because bullying causes anxiety or stress. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>You should take this step as you take other action in order to bring an end to the workplace bullying you’re experiencing.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Do you feel bullied at your workplace? Bullies are common at the workplace the way horses are many at a garbage site. But, the fact that bullies are so many doesn’t mean that you should entertain them. The internet has a host of tips and tricks about coping with workplace bullying. However, dealing with such…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":215402,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1804],"tags":[1977,1978,1976],"class_list":["post-215398","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-resources","tag-bullying-boss","tag-intimidation","tag-workplace-bullying"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bonjouridee.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/215398","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bonjouridee.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bonjouridee.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bonjouridee.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bonjouridee.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=215398"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.bonjouridee.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/215398\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":215408,"href":"https:\/\/www.bonjouridee.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/215398\/revisions\/215408"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bonjouridee.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/215402"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bonjouridee.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=215398"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bonjouridee.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=215398"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bonjouridee.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=215398"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}