Bullying At Work? It Can Happen

Bullying is a vile activity that is surprisingly prevalent in the adult world. What we associate with schools and childhood can sometimes leech its way into our mature working lives. Yes, there are bullies in the workplace, and if you're a victim or a manager of one (or indeed, finding yourself in the position of managing a bully), you'll have to know how to spot it and how to deal with it - fast. Because one thing we already know is this: the longer it goes on, the more damage it does.

Protection from the law? Not always

Childhood bullying is easy to spot - the adult version is more complex and usually, non-physical, due to the obvious criminal implications of causing someone bodily harm. Emotional harm, however, is easier to inflict and can be far more subtle than it first appears. After all, nobody is going to get arrested for making a snide comment to someone once a week or so, unless it's obviously racially or sexually aggravated: another thing covered by the law. Bullies have a way of circumventing what is obviously punishable by law with more ambiguous harm and therefore can get away with it. It may not be physical, it may not be racial or sexual harassment, but it can still be bullying.

What is it - and how to spot it?

If, as a manager or colleague, you are not sure if someone is being bullied, the first clues can be in the symptoms it causes. Taking time off due to stress, pulling "sickies" on a day another colleague is due in the office and avoidance of certain work situations can all be clues that someone is causing someone else distress. Most adult bullying takes the form of sidelining in some way - a boss may "pass over" someone for an obvious promotion because they don't like them. A colleague may make snide remarks about anything from someone's performance to a physical attribute - anything that is designed to hurt and is done repeatedly can be classed as bullying. Unfortunately, especially when "making fun" of someone, many adults don't see the harm or know how deeply it can affect someone. Never tease or belittle someone in the spirit of humour if you think it may be taken the wrong way.

If you suspect a bully - or a victim

As a manager, the trick is to place yourself in a situation where you can overhear something being said, so you can address it directly. Unfortunately, as with childhood bullying, it's very difficult for people to come forward and declare that they are a victim. Especially as adults, we're meant to be above that kind of thing and just "deal with it". Some people don't. If you notice someone verbally abusing someone else, it must be nipped in the bud quickly. Usually, someone won't realise the implications of their actions and will retract immediately. Others may need disciplinary proceedings if their behaviour is out of line. It's up to you to make that call. For the victim, make sure they know you are on their side, and offer any counselling or outside services available to the business.

If you're being bullied at work

If you are the victim, do not be afraid to come forward. Relentless teasing is something that occasionally, didn't get left in the playgrounds of our childhood and can affect your working life, self esteem and stress levels badly - it is a serious issue and not to be swept under the carpet because if its hidden nature or rare occurrence in the workplace. It must stop - and it can only stop if you come forward, be brave, and admit it's happened to you. You'll not only help yourself, but help to raise awareness that this can be a very real problem in the workplace.