Bullying in the Workplace
Bullying can affect anyone.
It can happen at school, in the workplace, at home or online.
The person who is bullied can often feel angry, hurt, humiliated or threatened.
The main types of bullying include:
-
- verbal (includes sexual harassment)
- physical (includes sexual abuse)
- social bullying
- psychological bullying
- cyber bullying (online Bullying.
Verbal bullying
Verbal bullying can be face-to-face, written or over the phone.
It includes:
- calling someone names
- put-downs (criticising someone)
- abuse
- threats
Physical bullying
Physical bullying can include:
- being punched, tripped or kicked
- having things (including lunch) stolen or damaged
Social bullying
Social bullying is often one of the hardest types of bullying to identify and deal with.
Social bullying includes being left out, ignored or having rumours spread about you.
Psychological bullying
Psychological bullying can be hard to identify. It is often less direct and can feel like it is in your head.
It can include:
- stalking
- dirty looks
- intimidation (scaring or threatening you)
- manipulation (controlling or tricking you to get what they want)
- constant criticism
- checking your work
- excluding you from social activities available to all
- unpredictable reactions – these keep you anxious
Cyberbullying
This type of bullying happens on social media, online forums, text and email. It can include receiving offensive and abusive messages. It also includes hacking into other people’s accounts or spreading rumours online.
Cyberbullying can be difficult to deal with. You may not know what to do at first. But there are laws to protect people from online bullying.
Conclusion
Bullying at work can take the form of psychological or social intimidation. For example, making negative comments about your appearance, behaviour or performance in front of others.
No one should feel intimidated or threatened at work. Employers and employees have a duty by law to provide a safe and healthy work environment.