5 Things to Know About Workplace Bullying
Written by Cooper & Friedman PLLC on March 23, 2017
Bullying is something that is not often considered outside of the context of playgrounds and school hallways. Sadly, it does exist in other places. A common place that bullying occurs during adulthood is the workplace. As workplace discrimination attorneys, we define workplace bullying as mistreatment in the form of threatening, work interference, and verbal abuse. These actions are done by a perpetrator in the work environment.
Workplace bullying may come from a co-worker, but it can also come from a boss or superior. Regardless of who the perpetrator is, the first step to ending bullying is to learn how to identify workplace bullying. Follow along for five main signs of workplace bullying. These will help you decide if you are a victim of bullying and how to get help.
1. An Imminent Feeling of Dread Before Work
If, on Sunday, you get anxiety knowing Monday is coming up, you may be a victim of workplace bullying. It is normal for most people to feel disappointed that the weekend is coming to an end. If you are getting physically ill from dread or experiencing extreme anxiety, it may be a sign that something more serious is going on within the workplace.
2. Never Ending Criticism & Lots of Yelling
Criticism that is not constructive, never seems to end, and is received through a lot of yelling is another sign of workplace bullying. This is especially true if prior to the escalated criticism, your workflow and competence were considered above standard. Bullies tend to belittle their victims by questioning their actions, criticizing their decisions, and talking over them in conversation. When these behavior traits are brought into the workplace, it is a tell-tale sign that a workplace bully is on a rampage through the office environment.
3. Bringing Up Your Past Mistakes
Bosses, superiors, and co-workers who bring up past mistakes you’ve made without any constructive criticism may be participating in workplace bullying. If you believe that your mistakes are being talked about out of context, or behind your back, and those feelings are affecting your productivity at work then it is time to bring your issues to your HR department. Your HR representative should be able to help you address this issue so that you can feel comfortable at work.
4. Always in Need of Mental Health Days
A main sign that you’re being bullied at work is if you spend your time away from work dreading your job and/or actively taking mental breaks from work. If you are spending your paid days off anxiously worrying about your work situation at home, workplace bullying may be affecting your life. Other signs you may be suffering from workplace bullying outside of work include: having a constantly apathetic feeling on the weekends and spending a lot of time talking to your family and friends about the stress that your job brings to your life.
5. Sabotaged with Impossible Scheduling
Preventing victims of bullying from doing their job to the best of their ability by making it harder to do so is called sabotage. Some forms of sabotage include: not doing their part in order for others to succeed, “forgetting” to take down important calls or meetings, changing times of pre-scheduled meetings or phone calls at last minute moments, or piling too many tasks into a day’s work knowing that it will be impossible to complete.
Are You a Victim of Workplace Bullying?
If you feel that you are a victim of workplace bullying, the first step is to visit Human Resources. Make them aware of your feelings. This may not only help to solve the issues at hand. It will also start a paper trail documenting occurrences with the bully.
If, after visiting your company’s HR department, the bullying persists, it may be time to take further legal action. Call the Law Offices of Cooper & Friedman for a free case consultation at 502-459-7555. We’ve successfully recovered millions for seriously injured people, and are ready to fight for your rights too.