Workplace bullying is a big deal. When people think about bullying most of the time the first picture in their mind comes as high school students or something to that effect. That is not always the case.

Workplace bullying happens a lot more that people may think. Yes, adults bully too. As a matter of fact, this is oftentimes where the school bully’s learned their behavior from. So, how do you deal with workplace bullying and harassment should you find yourself a victim of or a witness to it?

If you are witnessing the behavior and you do not speak up then you are as guilty as the bully. This is your business; it is everyone’s business. With the violence that is prone to arise without warning in the times that we live in there should be zero tolerance for behaviors like these. Bullying is a sign of more serious underlying issues. It is certainly not stable adult behavior!

Workplace bullying can be defined as any repetitive behavior intentionally done to embarrass, control, hurt or intimidate a coworker. This behavior can come from a peer or an authority in the company.

Regardless of whom that bully is or what their statute, bullying is wrong. When someone bully’s others, they are actually taking pleasure out of causing pain that should be considered as a serious warning sign of potentially dangerous behaviors being possible.

Oftentimes the deep seeded physiological issues that a bully has are control related.

Watch for things like shouting, name calling, disrespectful comments, belittling, nitpicking, excessive monitoring and constant criticism as these are sure sign that you are dealing with a bully. Things like overloading someone with responsibilities and setting them up for failure can also be forms of workplace bullying.

Know whether or not you are being victimized, and do not tolerate it in silence! Bullying at work can cause you issues at home. You may find that your sleep and appetite patterns are thrown off, you may suffer depression and anxiety or even become suicidal. You do not have to live as a victim. Taking a stand starts with facing the fact that you are being bullied and telling your bully to stop.

You will also need to keep a journal, and get witnesses as well. You want to approach a higher authority with a clear head and solid proof that the bullying is taking place. Then you are no longer a victim, and you can start the recovery process as a survivor of workplace bullying.

Seca Investigations:
Phone 61 3 9544 6865 / 61 3 9544 8279
Fax 61 3 9558 8980