Coping with Workplace Bullying: Strategies and Self-Protection

Introduction

Everyone has faced workplace bullying at some point in their career. Whether it's experiencing verbal abuse, having work conditions made difficult, or being systematically targeted by coworkers, standing up against such behavior is not easy. This article aims to provide practical strategies and insights for those dealing with persistent workplace bullying, including documented evidence, assertive behavior, and the importance of protecting one's reputation and professional integrity.

The Impact of Workplace Bullying

Workplace bullying can be emotionally taxing and can affect one's mental and physical health. It can lead to decreased job satisfaction, increased stress, and even physical health problems such as anxiety and depression. As mentioned by a victim of such behavior, 'Everywhere I go, I get bullied. People just hate me even though I am absolutely never prancing my way up. I have a strong work ethic because it’s the only way it makes a job interesting and I am terrified of getting fired because my income is important to me. I want to stay independent and this world is tough.'

Documenting the Evidence

Documenting every instance of bullying is crucial. A victim, Adam Poelstra, faced discrimination for having Asperger’s Syndrome and a lack of accountability from the bully. Eventually, the victim resorted to trashing the bully's property, which led to legal consequences. However, during mediation, the police found that they were biased, and the victim went on to laugh at the bully for crying.

Another example is a former coworker who consistently deleted badge requests and pretended that her phone was broken. Clear documentation can be invaluable in situations like these. One employee sent multiple emails to the manager requesting badge requests and documented the interactions: 'I have sent many requests for badges and no of them have been done. I’ve tried calling you on the phone but it seems as though your phone is broken because you can't hear me which is odd since no one else seems to have that problem. However when dropping by your office you were not available. I can’t seem to get my mission through however you are the only person I have to contact for making the badges. Is there anyone else I can contact for making the badges Thank you all for your help.'

Assertive Behavior and Self-Protection

Assertive behavior is essential when dealing with bullies. A former manager found herself dealing with young people who didn't respect her, didn't listen, and made the same basic mistakes. As the situation escalated, the manager became colder and more distant, which gave the young people more ammunition to destroy her reputation. However, once she documented the behavior and insisted that things change, the young people were dismissed from the team.

Another coworker faced a bully who targeted several young women in the office. This behavior was documented and led to the bully's dismissal. It's important to remember that bullies often target those who are easy to manipulate and cannot fight back. Hence, it's critically important to stand up for yourself and ensure that your documentation is thorough.

The Role of Professionalism and Documentation

Professionalism and documentation are the key tools in dealing with bullying. The victim of bullying must stay professional, document everything, and inform HR or management about the situation. As the world becomes more competitive, it's essential to become a good firm warrior and not be afraid to stand up and defend oneself. As one victim stated, 'Keep being professional stand up for yourself document everything. It is a difficult thing to do when your nature is kind soft and welcoming. You also have to become a good firm warrior in this world. Don’t be afraid of it. It is NECESSARY… I promise.'

Conclusion

Dealing with workplace bullying is challenging but not impossible. By documenting every instance of bullying, being assertive, and staying professional, one can protect themselves and their professional reputation. It is essential to remember that standing up against bullying is a necessary step to create a positive and respectful work environment.