The Right Way to Deal With a Workplace Bully

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When you think of the workplace bully, your first thoughts are likely of a larger-than-life figure who intimidates other employees with their size, their words or their power. But workplace bullying isn't limited to any one type of person or even to physical intimidation.

Workplace bullying may take many forms, and it can be difficult to know how best to handle them. In this blog article, we'll explore the right way to deal with a workplace bully in order to manage the situation and protect yourself from potential harm.

Workplace bullying defined

Workplace bullying is defined as any repeated or pervasive behavior that is intended to hurt, humiliate, degrade, or intimidate another person and can take many forms. It may be verbal, such as name-calling and insults; physical, such as pushing or shoving; or psychological, such as spreading rumors or excluding someone from team activities.

The effects of a workplace bully

Workplace bullying can have a range of damaging effects on those who suffer from it, both in the short and long term. It can lead to:

Physical and mental health problems, including stress, depression and anxiety.
Damage to self-confidence, leading to victims feeling isolated and alone in their workplace.
Lost productivity, as victims become distracted or unmotivated.

Recognizing the Signs of Workplace Bullying

Observable bullying behavior and tactics

There are certain behaviors and tactics that can indicate that someone is bullying you. It is important to be aware of such behavior, which may include:

Verbal aggression, such as name-calling or insults
Physical aggression, such as pushing or shoving
Spreading rumors or gossip about an employee
Exclusion from team activities or projects
Threats of termination or other discipline
Gossiping behind your back or spreading rumors

Differentiating between tough management and bullying

It is important to note that there is a difference between tough management and bullying. Tough management may involve setting high standards or holding employees accountable for their actions, while workplace bullying goes beyond reasonable expectations of an employee's performance and creates a hostile work environment.

The types of workplace bullies

Verbal Bullies

These bullies use verbal aggression to intimidate, belittle, or humiliate their targets. They may yell, use offensive language, ridicule, or engage in name-calling.

Physical Bullies

Physical bullies resort to physical aggression or threats to inflict harm. They may invade personal space, make intimidating gestures, or engage in physical workplace violence.

Relational Bullies

Relational bullies focus on damaging a person's social connections and relationships within the workplace. They spread rumors, gossip, exclude their targets from social activities, or manipulate others to isolate the target.

Cyberbullies

With the advent of technology, workplace bullying can extend to online platforms. Cyberbullies use electronic means such as email, instant messaging, or social media to harass, threaten, or humiliate their targets.

Passive-Aggressive Bullies

A passive-aggressive bully employs indirect and subtle tactics to undermine their targets. They may engage in sarcasm, backhanded compliments, sabotage projects, or spread negative rumors.

Micromanagers

Micromanagers excessively control and scrutinize their subordinates' work, leaving no room for autonomy or growth. They may constantly criticize, nitpick, or interfere in tasks to assert dominance.

Gatekeepers

Gatekeepers withhold information, resources, or opportunities from others to maintain power or control. They may hoard information, intentionally delay responses, or create unnecessary bureaucratic barriers for their targets.

Sexual Harassers

These bullies engage in sexual harassment such as unwelcome sexual advances, comments, or conduct that creates a hostile or uncomfortable work environment. They may make inappropriate remarks, gestures, or engage in unwanted physical contact.

Authoritarian Bullies

These bullies misuse their positions of authority to exert power and control over others. They may abuse their decision-making power, set unrealistic expectations, or subject their subordinates to arbitrary rules or punishments.

Ways to deal with workplace bullies

No one should have to endure bullying, especially in the workplace. If you find yourself the target of a workplace bully, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and manage the situation.

Document everything – Keep detailed records of any instances of bullying or harassment, including dates, times, locations, involved parties and witnesses if possible. This will help you build a case against the bully if needed.
Understand and follow company policies and procedures – Make sure you understand your company's policies and procedures for reporting workplace bullying. This will help ensure that the appropriate steps are taken to address the situation.
Speak up – If possible, confront the bully directly and calmly let them know that their behavior is inappropriate and unacceptable.
Reach out for help – Talk to your supervisor, co-workers, HR representative or union representative about the issue. They can provide assistance in addressing the situation and protecting you from further harm.
File a complaint – If the bully's behavior continues after confronting them or speaking with management, you may need to file an official complaint.
Engage in self-care and stress management techniques – It's important to take care of yourself and manage your stress in order to protect your mental and emotional health. Take time for yourself, practice mindfulness, exercise or engage in other forms of self-care.
Focus on work and excel career away from your workplace bully – Leadership development and making good career progress is the best way to make sure that your workplace bully does not stand in your way of success.
Foster a positive work environment for yourself and co-workers – the best (and sometimes hardest) way to deal with a bully is to not let it get you down and kill them with kindness. By fostering a positive work environment, you can help to prevent bullying from happening in the first place.

Protecting yourself from potential harm

Workplace bullying can have serious physical, psychological and emotional effects on your well-being. It is important to recognize the signs of workplace bullying and take action to protect yourself from potential harm.

Know your rights and legal protections

While there is no specific federal law that addresses workplace bullying, it may overlap with discriminatory harassment, which is covered under federal civil rights laws. Learn more at stopbullying.gov.

If the person being bullied is part of a protected group (e.g., based on age, sex, race, religion, national origin, or disability), bullying can be considered harassment and may result in legal action. Learn more about workplace bullying laws.

Consult HR or legal professionals if necessary

If the situation escalates or you feel unsafe, speak to HR or consult a legal professional. They can provide advice on how to best handle the situation and protect yourself from physical abuse and emotional harm.

Explore opportunities for personal and professional growth outside the toxic environment

Consider looking for a new job if the situation is too toxic to manage. If possible, seek out other opportunities for personal and professional growth outside of the hostile environment.

Maintain a positive network and seek emotional support

Maintain a positive network of people who can provide emotional support. Having a strong support system is key to recovering from bullying and dealing with any residual stress or trauma.

Conclusion

Workplace bullying can take a serious toll on your physical, emotional and mental health. It is important to recognize the signs of the bad behavior and take action to protect yourself. Document any instances of bullying, understand company policies and procedures for reporting it, speak up if possible, reach out for help, and consider exploring other opportunities outside the hostile environment. With the right resources and support system, it is possible to cope with workplace bullying and move forward.