We’re all adults and should know how to behave by now. Unfortunately, there are still big babies in the workplace that take joy in bullying their colleagues. Especially now we’re working remotely, it’s more difficult for companies and colleagues to monitor behaviour in the digital workplace. Growing up we might have been told to fight back twice as hard, but I don’t see that approach working out in our favour at work. So here are some tips on how to properly deal with bullying in the workplace:
- Take a breath, don’t react and if possible always record or screenshot the incident.
- Take note of potential witnesses that can help you build your case.
- Research what your company policy is when it comes to bullying, usually there is an HR person or manager you can turn to for advice.
- If you’re comfortable you can confront the bully and tell them how their actions or words hurt you and ask them to think twice in the future. Use phrases like “Please don’t talk to me like this” or “In the future let’s try to stick to the agenda”.
- Put the bully on the spot. Don’t explain yourself, but instead ask the bully to explain their behaviour. If the bully is criticising you ask them if they have better suggestions (they definitely won’t).
- You are not alone, chances are your co-workers are victims too. Ask them to record their incidents as well, so you can build a case against the bully together.
- When reporting an incident, make sure to remain calm and mention how the bullying has impacted your productivity, well-being or self-esteem.
- Protect your mental health. Sadly, companies don’t always take appropriate action toward bullies. If this is the case, it might be worth considering your options and eventually searching for a different job, if you feel you’re not getting proper support.
- Don’t take it personally, EVER! Bullying is always a projection of someone’s insecurity or weakness. It sucks that you’ve become the victim of this, but please remember that you are a star and none of what the bully has been telling you is true.
- If you are a witness step in and hold the bully accountable for their tone of voice or actions. By remaining silent you are allowing them to behave like a bully.
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for The Narcist