Workplace Bullying…How To Know If Your Boss Is Really The Devil?

Workplace bullying is not a new phenomenon. In fact, it can be traced back to the 16th century, when Hieronymus- Johannes Callidorus-Meletus, a Greek ecclesiastical historian who also happened to be an Archbishop of Alexandria in Egypt, was bullied at work.

Workplace bullying is still as rife as it was almost 500 years ago – but only now do we understand why this behaviour has such a detrimental effect on those targeted. The problem with Meletus and his experience of being bullied at work is that the word ‘work’ in these circumstances does not refer to an activity, but rather to an identity. Meletus felt that he was being bullied because he was — above all else — a worker.

In the 21st-century workplace bullying comes in many forms and affects employees from all walks of life. This article explores what workplace bullying looks like and how you can recognise it if you are being targeted by your boss or co-worker.

What does workplace bullying look like?

When analysing the different types of bullying, it’s important to remember that bullying is a behaviour, not a person. This means that in order to identify and prevent bullying in the workplace, it’s essential to analyse the behaviour of the aggressor.

The following are some common forms of bullying:

Verbal assault: This can take the form of shouting, name-calling, or even threats or insults. This type of bullying can also include the use of sarcasm or humour.

Social isolation: When a person is socially isolated in the workplace, their co-workers will either ignore them or actively avoid them. Social isolation can also include having one’s colleagues refuse to engage in activities with the person who is being isolated.

Worsening work conditions: This can include things like increased workloads, smaller workspace, or fewer resources.

Physical aggression: This can comprise violent physical contact, such as hitting, shoving, or kicking.

Bullying in the workplace: Co-workers who are bullies

Co-workers who are bullies don’t necessarily have to be supervisors or managers. What’s important to remember is that individuals who are bullies come in all shapes, sizes, and job roles.

Bullying can take the form of a group of people ganging up on one person. It can also be a group of people who are constantly undermining the authority of an individual who is trying to do their job. This can include spreading malicious rumours about them or making it difficult for them to do their work.

Bullying in the workplace: Your boss is a bully

This is the most common scenario for workplace bullying. If you are bullied by your boss, you may notice that he or she does the following:

Treats you differently from other employees. You might be the only one who is given criticism, or the only one who receives harsh feedback.

Treats you unfairly. Your boss treats you differently from other employees in terms of either what you are responsible for doing or the time frame in which you have to complete it. Interferes with your ability to do your job. Your boss might constantly interfere with your ability to do your job, such as by conducting surprise inspections of your work.

Bullying in the workplace: A bully is also a co-worker and your boss.

It is not uncommon to have a bully who is both a co-worker and the person you report to. This person will have the power to make your life a living hell simply because they can, and you have no way of protecting yourself.

In this case, you may notice that your bully does the following:

Uses his/her power as a tool for abuse. Your bully might use his/her power to make your life difficult. This can include excessive criticism or refusing to listen to your input.

How to deal with workplace bullying.

If you suspect that you’re being bullied at work, there are a few things that you can do to protect yourself:

Document everything. Keep a record of everything that happens to you at work. This includes everything that your bullies say to you and do to you, as well as anything that your co-workers do that makes you feel uncomfortable. Keep track of the date and time when these things occur, as well as the names of the people who are responsible. This will help you to be able to provide a clear depiction of what is happening to you.

Seek help from your HR department. Many companies, especially large ones, have dedicated officers who are trained in dealing with workplace bullying. If you’re being bullied, you may want to consider speaking with your HR department about the situation.

Final Words: Takeaway

There are many different types of workplace bullying, and it can be difficult to navigate your way out of the situation if you’re being targeted by your boss or co-workers. Keep track of what is happening to you at work, and consider speaking with your HR department. Whether you’re being bullied by a supervisor or a group of employees, there are ways to get out of the situation.

Jolasers can help assist with your complex investigation.

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