Bullying in the Workplace: Identify, Prevent and Heal

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety defines bullying as “usually seen as acts or verbal comments that could ‘mentally’ hurt or isolate a person in the workplace. Sometimes, bullying can involve negative physical contact as well. Bullying usually involves repeated incidents or a pattern of behaviour that is intended to intimidate, offend, degrade or humiliate a particular person or group of people. It has also been described as the assertion of power through aggression.”

In today’s professional environment, creating a safe and respectful workplace is more important than ever. Unfortunately, bullying and harassment are still frequently occurring. This impacts not only the individuals involved, but also the overall morale and productivity of the organization.

Manipulation and Control

Bullying is a form of manipulation and individuals engage in it in a bid to gain control over the people in their environment.

It may be a behaviour that was learned from childhood. Research has shown that some children unknowingly learn at a young age to participate in socially aggressive behaviours that could damage another’s self-esteem.

Others grow up in families where abuse and violence are common occurrences in their homes. For some, this type of behaviour becomes their norm.

As they grow up, they will automatically resort to these known control strategies if they feel their personal comfort is threatened. As they grow up into adults, these anti-social behaviours continue to appear in their interactions with others.

Isolation and Exclusion

Other bullies manipulate or humiliate in order to threaten the social status of their targets.

In the workplace, the effect of such manipulation is often the isolation of the “targeted” individual, leading them to feel lonely and disconnected. As a result, going to work becomes an unpleasant task.

Without someone to talk to, these individuals continue to suffer in silence, experience restless sleep and poor appetites, and become anxious. If their anxiety is not treated, over the longer term, the individual begins to feel depressed and hopeless. Their mental health suffers as a result of their inability to gain some sense of control over their work environment.

Collusion

The victims of bullying are not just those who are targeted, isolated or humiliated. Victims also include individuals who are unknowingly manipulated into the bully’s way of thinking and behaving. Inadvertently and unbeknown to them, they collude with the bully. Such individuals are unaware that they have been manipulated, and do not question the motives of the bully.

If you have been manipulated into believing discrediting information about a co-worker for which there is no evidence, you have been the target of a bully. If you have been convinced that a co-worker deserves to be isolated and disrespected, you have been manipulated by a bully.

What You Could do

There are some things you could do about the situation. If you have been bullied, find the strength and courage to have a face-to-face discussion with the person whom you believe is bullying you. This is not an easy thing to do and for many, it will take tremendous courage.

Remember that:

• You want to be calm, respectful and professional.
• As it is quite likely that you are not the only one who is bullied by this individual, do not make it personal.
• Do not stoop to their level of behavior.
• Tell him or her how you feel as a result of their actions or words, without getting emotionally worked up.

This may be something you could consider doing after discussion with a friend, your spouse, or a counsellor.

What To Do

Build a Support Network

You could involve yourself in activities and avoid interactions with the bully if possible. Find co-workers with whom you get along, and work on meaningful projects with them. These co-workers become a part of your support network.

Do your job well, and find personal satisfaction in meeting your work objectives. Find activities outside of work that inspires and motivates you, whether it is a sport, a hobby, church-related, or family-oriented activities.

Speak with HR

If the bullying persists or gets worse, speak with your human resource department, or your union representative.

Record all bullying incidents that have occurred. Be clear and be specific about the actual incident, the location, and the date and time when it occurred. Be sure to include the names of witnesses. Include how the incident made you feel, how it affected your work, and if you needed professional help after it happened.

Reflect on your Role

If you feel you have been manipulated into acting unjustly or speaking disgracefully against another person, review the role you played in the situation. What is it about yourself that has led you to believe the manipulator? Are you swayed by popular opinion, or have you buckled under peer pressure?

Ask yourself how you might feel if you were the targeted person. Then ask yourself what you might do differently next time. Stand up for yourself, and take responsibility. The workplace is intended to be a respectful and productive environment. How are you contributing to this respectful and productive environment?

Make a Decision

If the situation is not something you could tolerate any longer, leaving the job is an option, unfair and difficult that this is. There are many factors to consider before taking such a step.

For many of us, ensuring a stable income to provide for our family is our primary motivation to remain employed. Workplaces and employers vary greatly from one to the next, however bullies exist at different levels in all organizations.

Ask yourself, what is the impact of bullying on your mental health? What is your level of tolerance, and are you able to manage the stressful situation at work? Should you remove yourself from an unhealthy environment and work elsewhere?

Getting Help

3. Group Counselling: Sometimes, sharing experiences in a supportive group setting can be beneficial. Group counselling provides an avenue for individuals to connect with others who understand what they’re going through.

4. Workshops and Training: Some organizations bring in experts to conduct workshops on managing workplace bullying and harassment. These can empower employees and foster a culture of respect.

In the meantime, know that you are not at fault. No one deserves to be treated disrespectfully, nor be subject to harassment and humiliation at work. Be strong, and remember, do not stoop to the level of the bully.

Create a Supportive Work Environment

It is important for both employers and employees to foster a supportive workplace culture. Here are some steps to take:

Encourage Open Communication: Create an environment where employees feel safe discussing their concerns without fear of retaliation.

Establish Clear Policies: Implement and communicate clear policies regarding bullying and harassment, ensuring everyone understands the consequences.

Provide Training: Regular training on recognizing and addressing bullying and harassment can equip employees at all levels to contribute to a positive workplace culture.

Here are some great resources in Canada:

1. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
2. Mental Health Commission of Canada
3. WorkSafeBC

Addressing bullying and harassment in the workplace is essential for maintaining a supportive and productive environment. By recognizing the signs, offering support, and implementing proactive measures, we can help create a workplace where everyone feels valued and safe.

If you or someone you know needs further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us – you are not alone in this struggle.

If you have any questions or need additional resources, book a 15-min free consultation to speak with one of our counsellors.