How Do I Deal with Bullying & Harassment in the Workplace?

Defining Bullying and Harassment

While the terms are often used interchangeably, there are subtle distinctions:

• Bullying: Repeated, unreasonable, and persistent behavior directed towards one or more employees that creates a risk to health and safety. It can include verbal abuse, intimidation, humiliation, unwarranted criticism, exclusion, and interference with work.
• Harassment: Unwelcome conduct that is based on protected characteristics such as race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age (40 and older), disability, or genetic information. It creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.   
  

Both bullying and harassment can take many forms, including:

• Verbal Abuse: Insults, name-calling, yelling, offensive jokes, and threats.
• Intimidation: Aggressive behavior, threats, and attempts to frighten or coerce.
• Humiliation: Public embarrassment, belittling comments, and undermining someone's confidence.
• Discrimination: Unfair treatment based on protected characteristics.
• Cyberbullying: Bullying or harassment that occurs online, through emails, social media, or other digital platforms.
• Physical Abuse: Any unwanted physical contact, including pushing, shoving, or hitting.
• Sexual Harassment: Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.   
  

Recognizing the Signs of Bullying and Harassment

It's important to be able to recognize the signs of bullying and harassment, both in yourself and in others. Some common signs include:

• Increased Stress and Anxiety: Feeling constantly stressed, anxious, or on edge at work.
• Difficulty Sleeping: Having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep due to work-related worries.
• Loss of Appetite or Overeating: Changes in eating habits due to stress.
• Difficulty Concentrating: Struggling to focus on tasks or make decisions.
• Low Self-Esteem and Confidence: Feeling worthless or inadequate due to constant criticism or belittling.
• Withdrawal and Isolation: Avoiding social interactions at work or feeling excluded by colleagues.
• Physical Symptoms: Experiencing headaches, stomachaches, or other physical symptoms due to stress.
• Changes in Work Performance: Decreased productivity, increased errors, or absenteeism.

Steps to Take When Dealing with Bullying and Harassment

Dealing with bullying and harassment can be challenging, but it's important to take action to protect yourself and others. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of every incident, including dates, times, locations, names of witnesses, and specific details of what happened. This documentation will be crucial if you decide to file a complaint.
2. Tell the Bully/Harasser to Stop (If You Feel Safe): If you feel safe and comfortable doing so, clearly and firmly tell the person that their behavior is unacceptable and that you want it to stop. This can sometimes be enough to resolve the issue. However, prioritize your safety. If you fear retaliation or escalation, skip this step.
3. Report the Behavior: Report the bullying or harassment to your supervisor, HR department, or another designated person within your organization. Follow your company's reporting procedures.
4. Follow Up on Your Report: If you don't receive a timely response or if the issue is not addressed adequately, follow up with your report and escalate the matter to higher levels of management if necessary.
5. Seek Support: Talk to a trusted friend, family member, colleague, or therapist about what you're experiencing. Having a support system can help you cope with the emotional impact of bullying and harassment.
6. Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with your company's policies on bullying and harassment, as well as relevant local, state, or federal laws.
7. Consider Legal Action: If your company fails to take appropriate action or if you have experienced significant harm, you may want to consult with an attorney to discuss your legal options.

Additional Strategies for Dealing with Bullying and Harassment

• Stay Calm and Assertive: When interacting with the bully or harasser, try to remain calm and assertive. Avoid engaging in arguments or retaliating.
• Set Boundaries: Clearly communicate your boundaries to the bully or harasser. Let them know what behavior you will not tolerate.
• Don't Blame Yourself: Remember that bullying and harassment are never your fault. You are not responsible for the other person's behavior.
• Focus on Your Well-being: Take care of your physical and mental health. Engage in activities that help you relax and de-stress.
• Build a Support Network: Connect with colleagues who you trust and who can offer support.
• Consider Transferring Departments or Finding a New Job: If the situation is not resolved and is significantly impacting your well-being, you may want to consider transferring to a different department or finding a new job.

Creating a Culture of Respect and Prevention

Preventing bullying and harassment requires a proactive approach from both individuals and organizations. Here are some key steps:

• Establish Clear Policies and Procedures: Companies should have clear and comprehensive policies that define bullying and harassment and outline reporting procedures.
• Provide Training and Education: Regular training should be provided to all employees on how to recognize, prevent, and address bullying and harassment.
• Promote a Culture of Respect and Inclusion: Creating a workplace culture where everyone feels valued and respected is crucial for preventing bullying and harassment.
• Encourage Open Communication: Foster an environment where employees feel comfortable reporting concerns without fear of retaliation.
• Take Prompt and Effective Action: When reports of bullying or harassment are received, organizations must take prompt and effective action to investigate and address the issues.

The Impact of Bullying and Harassment

The impact of bullying and harassment can be profound and far-reaching:

• Mental Health: Anxiety, depression, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and low self-esteem.
• Physical Health: Headaches, stomachaches, sleep problems, and weakened immune system.
• Work Performance: Decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and difficulty concentrating.
• Relationships: Strain on personal and professional relationships.
• Financial Impact: Loss of income due to absenteeism or job loss.

Legal Considerations

In many jurisdictions, bullying and harassment are illegal. It's important to be aware of the laws in your area and to seek legal advice if you believe your rights have been violated.

Cyberbullying in the Workplace

Cyberbullying is a growing concern in the workplace. It can take many forms, including:

• Offensive Emails or Messages: Sending insulting or threatening emails, messages, or social media posts.
• Spreading Rumors Online: Spreading false or malicious rumors about someone online.
• Excluding Someone from Online Groups or Communication: Intentionally excluding someone from online work groups or communication channels.
• Posting Embarrassing Photos or Videos: Sharing embarrassing photos or videos of someone online without their consent.

Dealing with cyberbullying requires the same steps as dealing with other forms of bullying and harassment: document everything, report the behavior, seek support, and know your rights.

When to Seek External Help

If your company fails to take appropriate action or if you have experienced significant harm, it's important to seek external help. This may include:

• Contacting a Government Agency: Reporting the behavior to a relevant government agency, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in the United States.
• Consulting with an Attorney: Seeking legal advice to discuss your options.
• Seeking Therapy or Counseling: Getting professional help to cope with the emotional impact of bullying and harassment.

Conclusion: Taking a Stand Against Bullying and Harassment

Bullying and harassment in the workplace are unacceptable and should not be tolerated. By understanding what constitutes bullying and harassment, recognizing the signs, taking appropriate action, and promoting a culture of respect, we can create safer and more positive work environments for everyone. Remember, you are not alone, and there are resources available to help you. Taking a stand against bullying and harassment is crucial for protecting yourself and others and creating a more just and equitable workplace. If you are experiencing bullying or harassment, please remember that it is not your fault, and you deserve to work in a safe and respectful environment. Don't hesitate to seek help and take action to protect yourself and others.