Ways to identify workplace bullying

This paper discusses ways to identify workplace bullying. Bullying in the workplace can take many forms, such as verbal abuse, physical aggression, exclusion and manipulation.

Bullying behaviour is often difficult to recognize because can be subtle or disguised as ‘help’ criticism. It also varies from one person to and between different industries. To make sure you are able to identify bullying behaviour when it occurs in your organization, consider the following signs:

One of the most common signs of workplace bullying is the targeted exclusion from social activities, meetings or conversations. If someone is being excluded in a way that promotes humiliation and embarrassment for them, it could be a sign of bullying.

Another sign to look out for is unprofessional behaviour such as belittling comments, insults or aggressive body language. It may also take the form of verbal threats or intimidation.

Bullying can also manifest itself through manipulation and unfair criticism. This often takes the form of unjustified blame or false accusations which can be damaging both emotionally and professionally.

Workplace bullies may also pressure their victims into doing something they do not want to do or place unrealistic expectations on them with regards to deadlines, workloads and performance standards.

Finally, bullying can sometimes be identified through the spread of rumours or malicious gossip. This type of behaviour is often used to undermine an individual’s reputation in both the professional and social spheres.

Identifying workplace bullying can help organizations protect their employees from harm and create a supportive work environment for everyone. By being aware of these signs companies can begin to address any such issues before they become more serious.