Jobhop Jobhop's blog : 10 Signs of Workplace Bullying

It seems that the bullying we may have witnessed (or experienced firsthand) previously on the school playground is being increasingly played out in the workplace.

According to a survey conducted by the Counselling Directory, 30% of the survey respondents have experienced bullying at work.

But even beyond those who reported their victimisation, there are actually many people being bullied at work who aren't even aware of it. Is it possible that you've been a target?

While bullying is usually carried out by someone in a position of authority and power, peers and even subordinates have also been known to execute bullying. A bully is actually a paranoid, insecure control freak. Their aim is to belittle, diminish and ultimately demolish their 'target' through persistent, regular and increasingly antagonistic behaviour.

Here are 10 clear signs that you're being bullied...

1. Every decision you make is questioned, even the small ones

Essentially, you're being constantly bombarded with excessive micromanaging. You don't feel like your insight or choices are being trusted, and you can't explain why. Your boss and others hover over you more than usual telling you what to do and what not to do. You get the sense that you're wrongly perceived as unreliable, and your decision-making capability is greatly reduced as a result.

2. You're socially alienated without a valid explanation

All of a sudden, you're excluded from the meetings you once attended. Reasons may be given, but are not warranted or easy to relate to events or behaviours. Co-workers tend to avoid you and keep all interaction to a minimum. You may also find that you're no longer invited to out of work informal events.

3. Goals on a project are suddenly changed, and your progress is disregarded

Say you've been given instructions with certain objectives, an ultimate goal and a timeline. You work really hard and with focus only to find out, suddenly, that there is a change in direction on the project. Your progress is not celebrated or applied to the new project, but not even recognised.

4. You and your peers are treated according to inconsistent standards

Others in your workgroup are receiving preferential treatment (e.g. travel perks, flextime, the best projects, and so on). You also find that most or all of your requests along the same lines are denied without a reasonable explanation.

5. You often feel ganged up on

Often when you make a comment, suggestion or disagree with a point of view, you're responded to with a pile of responses by others. It doesn't matter whether you're right or not - the gangs mentality is determined to prove you wrong.

6. You've experienced verbal abuse

You're subject to negative, abusive language - sworn and shouted at on a consistent basis. That said, verbal abuse can be more subtle than openly aggressive insults and punishments.

7. Others consistently criticise your work (unfairly)

It seems that in the eye of your boss, you can't do anything right. Feedback is constantly provided in the form of criticism and delivered in a way to make you feel bad about yourself. There is no effort to provide guidance, mentoring or encouragement.

8. You and your work are publicly diminished

Your excellent work isn't acknowledged by your boss and/or they often give the credit to others in a public setting such as a meeting.

9. You're presented unreasonable obstacles at every turn

Obstacles are thrown in front of you to throw you off course and prevent you from successful completion of a project or initiative.

10. Your health is deteriorating

Mentally, you're drained and your energy is zapped. You're sleeping a lot more and finding it harder to get out of bed. Bullying can lead to anxiety, panic attacks, mood swings and depression. There are also physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sleeping troubles, increased blood pressure and loss of appetite or excessive eating. In very extreme cases, the effects of bullying can also lead to heart attacks and strokes,

What to do about it

Once you've come to the realisation that you're a victim of workplace bullying, it's important to know what kind of support you have. Here are three possible actions:

- Bullied employees should document the behaviour in detail with the time, date, location and description. If you don't feel physically threatened, I advise speaking to the bully to try to stop the behaviour. If that doesn't work or isn't an option, you should speak to your manager and possibly the human resources department.

- Speak to a trusted authority in the company: A good start may be human resources. They should be able to determine whether you are actually being bullied. If it's determined that a bullying situation does exist, they can also provide guidance on how to deal with it. Alternatively, you may feel more comfortable talking to a A Chief Ethics Officer (especially if you're working for a company that has a strong ethics culture). It's important to keep in mind that a lot of bullies will deny their behaviour when confronted. It's also very difficult to prove, unless others are being bullied too and/or your story can be backed up.

- Find another job: This should be the very last resort. But sometimes it's simply not worth the fight - emotionally and financially. Look for new employment with a company possessing a strong culture of integrity. Such companies often have zero tolerance policies along with multiple ways to report abuse.

In the meantime, be sure to seek outside professional help to deal with the physical and mental fallout from prolonged bullying. Reducing stress and keeping a clear mind will help you think through your options and ultimately make the best possible decision.