Taking a Stand: Addressing Workplace Bullying

Workplace bullying is a serious issue that affects many people in various industries. It can cause immense emotional distress, physical harm, and decreased job satisfaction and productivity.

In 2019, there were 1,815 reports of workplace bullying and/or harassment made, according to Safe Work Australia. By 2021, it had increased to 2,280. That’s a more than 25 per cent rise in only two years, particularly during the peak of COVID-19 and remote working.

These figures tell us that these negative behaviours are not limited to onsite employment and that difficulties may readily persist online.

In this article, we dive into the different types of workplace bullies and how to deal with them.

What is Workplace Bullying?

Workplace bullying refers to the repeated mistreatment of an employee that can take many forms, such as verbal abuse, physical harm, intimidation, or humiliation. It is characterised by a power imbalance between the bully and the victim, which can significantly impact the victim’s mental and physical health.

Types of Workplace Bullies

There are several types of workplace bullies, including:

• The verbal abuser – This type of bully uses harsh language, belittling remarks, and insults to intimidate their victims.
• The manipulator – These bullies often use manipulation tactics to control their victims, such as gossiping, spreading rumours, or withholding information.
• The aggressor – These bullies use physical violence, including pushing, hitting, or threatening violence, to control and intimidate others.
• The passive-aggressive – This type of bully often uses subtle tactics to undermine their victim, such as spreading rumours or making snide remarks.

Why Workplace Bullies Get Away With It

Workplace bullies often get away with their behaviour because it is difficult for victims to speak out against them. It’s a complex issue, and there are several reasons why they get away with it.

• Lack of awareness: In some cases, workplace bullying may go unnoticed or unrecognised because people may not be aware of what it looks like or how it can affect individuals and organisations.
• Fear of retaliation: Individuals being bullied may be afraid to speak out or report the behaviour for fear of retaliation or further abuse. This fear can be compounded if the bully is in a position of power or authority.
• Lack of reporting mechanisms: There are no clear reporting mechanisms for employees to report incidents of bullying. This can make it difficult for individuals to know where to turn or to feel confident that their concerns will be taken seriously.
• Inadequate policies and procedures: Even if there are reporting mechanisms, they may not be adequate to address incidents of bullying effectively. For example, there may be a lack of clear consequences for bullies or a lack of support for individuals who report incidents of bullying.
• Organisational culture: In some companies, there may be a culture of acceptance or tolerance of bullying. This can make it difficult for individuals who experience bullying to feel supported and can embolden bullies to continue their behaviour.
• Power imbalances: In some cases, workplace bullying may be perpetuated by power imbalances, where the bully holds a position of authority over the victim. This can make it difficult for the victim to speak out or challenge the behaviour.

None of these factors excuses or justifies workplace bullying. Employers are responsible for creating safe and respectful workplaces for all employees, and individuals who experience bullying should feel empowered to speak out and seek support.

By raising awareness of the issue and taking proactive steps to prevent and address bullying, we can work towards creating a culture of respect and support in the workplace.

Ways to Deal with Workplace Bullying

While it may be challenging, there are several steps that individuals can take to address workplace bullying and protect themselves.

Here are some ways how to deal with workplace bullying:

1. Document the incident or behaviour – Keep a record of the incidents of bullying, including the date, time, and what was said or done. This will help you provide evidence if you need to report the bullying.
2. Talk to someone – If you feel comfortable, reach out to a trusted colleague, friend, or family member to talk about your experiences. They can help you to feel supported, provide useful insights or advice, and they may be able to help you address the issue.
3. Talk to the bully – In some cases, it may be possible to have a conversation with the bully to express your concerns and to ask them to stop the behaviour. However, this can be risky and may not be appropriate in all situations.
4. Report the bullying – If the bullying continues or is particularly severe, it may be necessary to make a formal complaint to your employer. This could involve speaking to your manager, HR representative, or a designated person within your organisation. Make sure you have documented evidence to support your claim.
5. Seek support – Consider accessing counselling or support services to help you cope with the effects of bullying. This could include talking to a counsellor, seeking support from a support group, or accessing an employee assistance program (EAP) if your workplace has one.
6. Consider legal action – If the bullying behaviour is particularly severe or is related to a protected characteristic (such as race, sex, or disability), it may be appropriate to seek legal advice about your options for taking legal action. Employees in Australia are protected by a range of legal frameworks, including the Fair Work Act and anti-discrimination laws.

Dealing with workplace bullies can be a challenging and emotional process, and it may take time to find the right strategy or combination of strategies that work for you. However, by taking proactive steps to address the behaviour and protect yourself, you can help to create a safer and more respectful workplace for yourself and your colleagues.

Conclusion

It is essential to recognise the types of workplace bullies and understand why they get away with their behaviour so that you can deal with them. Remember: everyone has the right to work in a safe and respectful environment, and workplace bullying should not be tolerated.