Over the years, bullying at work has become so common. While it is not only physical, it manifests in different ways, such as nonverbal, verbal, physical, and psychological abuse. Statistics from the Workplace Bullying Institute confirm that 19 percent of adults in the United States are bullied at their workplaces, while 60.3% of those bullied are completely affected.
While it is common to think that those committing bullyings are people in authority at the place of work, it is not necessarily true. There is bullying going on among people of the same levels.
People who think they know better perform better and deserve better at the workplace. We are living in a new normal. People are now working both remotely and in person. Regardless, there have to be suitable ways to deal with workplace bullying.
Before understanding how to deal with bullying at the workplace, it is also important to know what it entails, either remotely or while physically at the office. Bullying includes:
- Social media remarks that are embarrassing
- Threats on emails
- Micromanaging of employees’ work details
- Spreading co-worker rumors or gossip and
- Taking credit for someone else’s work
Ways to deal with bullying at the place of work
- Research your company policy
If you are being bullied at your workplace or know someone being bullied, the first thing to do is research your company policies. Researching these policies enlightens you on what protocols to take to resolve this bullying issue. There are organizations with a no-tolerance policy for such behavior and always take necessary action.
- Take a beat
Suppose going through bullying at your place of work, breath in and out before reacting hurriedly. You can better express yourself on the ordeal when composed and calm. With a calm approach, you can quickly understand if what transpired was an honest mistake or simply intentional. It helps you know what next cause of action to take.
- Take care of your wellbeing and mental health.
There are so many people going through bullying at their workplaces but afraid of speaking about it. The fear results from wondering what their colleagues will think about them. They feel that their livelihood is at stake, especially if their bosses or people are bullying them. To protect your mental health, pull together resources that can support you, including people you know you can trust to understand you when you open up to them.
- Avoid taking it personally.
While this sounds so cliché, it is essential to note that the person bullying you is the problem and not you. It brings out their character more. Instead of taking it personally, practice having solid and healthy boundaries while at work.
Conclusion
Bullying at your workplace can take a toll on you and may even result in your mental breakdown if you are a person going through this and are always afraid to speak out practice composure boundaries, and stay calm. How you react to the bullies keeps them away or makes them keep up with the behavior. However, it is essential to check your company policy and follow correct protocols to address such unfortunate incidents.