Identifying and Eradicating Workplace Bullying

Workplace bullying is a growing issue in many organisations, affecting employees' mental and emotional well-being and undermining the overall work environment. The definition of bullying is repeated mistreatment or abusive behaviour towards an individual by someone in an actual or perceived position of power or authority that may or may not emanate from an organisational team leader or from colleagues that the victim of bullying believes have a moral or emotional hold over them. Bullying behaviour can take many forms:

• Intimidation – acts of violence, speaking aggressively or invading personal space.

• Exclusion – not inviting a person or group to a business meeting.

• Spreading Rumours – involving lying or exaggerating the truth.

• Undermining others – using aggressively worded direct responses in group emails.

• Verbal Abuse – shouting someone down within a group of people.

• Criticism – undermining the authority or actions of others.

• Humiliation – pointing out someone's errors publicly.

• Social Exclusion – denying a person or group entry to social activities.

• Gaslighting - using psychological tactics to cast doubt on others.

The perpetrators of bullying tend to be those who suffer from insecurities, whose abilities fall below the level of their targets or who cannot accommodate others whose ideologies or way of being do not align with the bullies' values. Those who, unfortunately, suffer from bullying tend to be high performers. These knowledgeable individuals dare to strive for success and greatness, either in their achievements or needs or the strength of character to be who they are, irrespective of others. Bullying behaviour is not an isolated incident but rather a pattern of behaviour that occurs over time.

This can make it difficult for the victims of bullying to address and resolve their issues independently. The effects of workplace bullying can be profound, leading to consequences for the targeted individual. Victims of workplace bullying often experience high levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. They can be staff being bullied by team leaders and team leaders being bullied by staff, especially when a team leader is dealing with serious organisational issues that Directors or other senior stakeholders are ignoring.

The victims of bullying may also suffer from physical health issues such as headaches, insomnia, and digestive problems. In extreme cases, workplace bullying can even lead to suicidal thoughts. Bullying doesn't just affect the individual being targeted. It can also harm the work environment, decreasing morale, productivity, and employee engagement. In some cases, it can even result in high turnover rates as employees may choose to leave the organisation rather than continue to endure the bullying.

It is important to note that a team leader can be a director, senior manager, junior team leader, or professional administrator with responsibilities for a corporate function. The more senior a team leader is within an organisational corporate structure, the more a team leader's bullying will impact the organisation. The real issue for organisations is that senior team leaders are more challenging. This adds to the senior team leaders' feeling of invincibility, which compounds the impact of their bullying and unacceptable behaviour.

Intimidation

Bullying is a severe issue that can profoundly affect an individual's well-being. Feeling threatened or intimidated in the workplace can create fear, undermine one's sense of safety, and is unacceptable. This type of behaviour can take many forms, including threats, aggressive body language, and verbal harassment.

Organisations must encourage staff to report every case of bullying or unacceptable behaviour to their HR Team and to record patterns of bullying or inappropriate behaviour, even if taking action against the perpetrator is not possible at the time. However, it is never acceptable for an organisation to allow a perpetrator of bullying to continue in post, especially when they are a senior manager, as this is a sign of the organisation's failure to deal with bullying issues, as well as showing that bullying behaviour is acceptable to the determinant of those who are being bullied.

A common form of workplace intimidation is when a team leader or colleague uses aggressive body language to intimidate or scare someone. This can include standing too close to someone, invading their personal space, or making intimidating gestures such as pointing or glaring. While these actions may not involve physical contact, they can still create a sense of fear and anxiety in the victim.

Threats are another generic form of workplace intimidation. They can range from explicit threats of physical harm to more subtle threats of retaliation or sabotage. Regardless of the nature of the threat, the effect is the same: it creates a sense of fear and insecurity in the victim, making them feel unsafe in their workplace.

Exclusion

Traditionally, workplace bullying was thought of as overt bullying behaviours such as verbal abuse or intimidation. However, another, more subtle form of bullying that is just as harmful is workplace exclusion. Workplace exclusion involves intentionally leaving someone out of meetings, social events, or critical discussions, and it can harm the individual being excluded.

Exclusion in the workplace can make individuals feel isolated, marginalised, and ostracised by their colleagues. This exclusion can happen for assorted reasons, such as personal conflicts, cliques within the workplace, or simply because the excluded individual is seen as an outsider. Regardless of the cause, being excluded from essential interactions and events can profoundly change an individual's mental and emotional well-being.

Feeling excluded in the workplace can lead to feelings of loneliness, depression, and a sense of inadequacy. The excluded individual may feel they are not valued or respected by their colleagues, damaging their self-esteem and confidence. Additionally, exclusion can hinder the individual's ability to perform their job effectively, as they may not have access to essential information or resources shared during meetings or discussions.

Workplace exclusion can create a toxic environment within the organisation, increasing tension and conflict and decreasing employee morale. When individuals feel excluded or marginalised, a sense of division within the team can develop, making it challenging to foster collaboration and teamwork. This can ultimately impact the overall productivity and success of the organisation.

The Spreading of Rumours

Fostering a positive and supportive environment for all employees is essential in any professional setting. Unfortunately, there are instances where individuals engage in toxic behaviour towards their colleagues, such as spreading malicious rumours, constantly putting someone down in meetings, and deliberately giving someone a heavier workload than everyone else. These actions can have severe consequences for the targeted individual and create a toxic work environment that impacts everyone in the organisation.

Spreading malicious rumours about someone is a harmful and unethical practice that can devastate a person's reputation and well-being. When false or damaging information is circulated about a colleague, it can lead to ostracisation, loss of respect, and even impact their career opportunities. This type of behaviour can cause immense stress and anxiety for the individual being targeted, leading to a decrease in productivity and motivation at work.

Undermining Others

Bullying is a pervasive issue that can occur in any environment, including the workplace. While it is commonly perceived as someone picking on the weak, it is essential to recognise that bullying can also stem from a sense of threat or intimidation towards someone's strengths. In the workplace, individuals who excel in their roles and display confidence and competence can sometimes become targets of bullying by their peers or superiors.

When a person's strengths in the workplace make others feel intimidated or threatened, it can lead to acts of bullying to undermine their success and dominance. This can manifest in various forms, such as belittling comments, exclusion from group activities, sabotaging work tasks, or spreading false rumours. The bully may feel insecure about their abilities and seek to bring down those who excel to elevate themselves in comparison.

Verbal Abuse

Verbal abuse is a form of psychological or mental abuse that involves the use of words, gestures, or written language to harm or manipulate a victim. It can take many forms, including harassment, labelling, insults, scolding, rebuking, or excessive yelling directed towards an individual. While verbal abuse may not leave physical scars, its effects can be just as damaging as physical abuse.

One of the most insidious aspects of verbal abuse is its ability to chip away at a person's self-esteem and sense of self-worth. When someone is constantly barraged with negative or hurtful comments, it can lead them to believe they are unworthy of love or respect. Over time, this can erode their confidence and leave them powerless and isolated.

Verbal abuse can also have severe consequences for a person's psychological well-being. Studies have shown that individuals who are subjected to verbal abuse are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. They may also struggle with feelings of guilt, shame, and inadequacy, leading to a cycle of self-blame and self-doubt.

In addition to its impact on the individual being abused, verbal abuse can also have lasting effects on relationships. Constantly belittling or being criticised by a person's partner, family member, or friend can create an atmosphere of fear and tension. This can lead to a breakdown in communication, trust, and intimacy, ultimately undermining the very foundations of the relationship.

Criticism

Constant criticism, whether constructive or unconstructive, can significantly impact an individual's self-esteem and confidence. While constructive criticism is meant to provide feedback and help someone improve, unconstructive criticism can be detrimental and damaging. When someone is constantly nitpicked or focused solely on their flaws, they may internalise these negative messages and believe they are not good enough.

When someone is being constantly criticised, it can lead to decreased self-confidence and a constant feeling of inadequacy. Over time, this continuous criticism can chip away at a person's self-esteem, leaving them feeling worthless and defeated. Constant criticism can also affect a person's mental health. It can lead to increased levels of anxiety, depression, and stress.

Feeling constantly judged and evaluated can create pressure and insecurity, harming one's overall well-being and happiness. In addition, constant criticism can strain relationships, causing a feeling of distancing themselves from others to protect themselves from further judgment. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, and a breakdown in communication and trust.

Constant unconstructive criticism can have a detrimental effect on an individual's confidence and self-esteem. It is essential to be mindful of the impact of our words on others and to strive to provide feedback in a constructive and supportive manner. By lifting others and focusing on their strengths, we can help them grow, succeed positively, and become more empowered.

Humiliation

Workplace humiliation or ridicule is an unacceptable behaviour that can have severe consequences for the targeted individual and the overall work environment. When a person is publicly embarrassed or mocked in front of their colleagues, it can lead to feelings of shame, low self-esteem, and even depression. This type of behaviour can create a toxic work environment where individuals feel anxious and unsafe, ultimately impacting their ability to perform their jobs effectively.

Humiliation or ridicule in the workplace can take many forms, including making jokes at a person’s expense, belittling their work in front of others, or singling them out for criticism in a public setting. This behaviour is not only damaging to the individual being targeted, but it also sets a negative tone for the entire workplace, leading to decreased morale and productivity.

Social Exclusion

In the modern workplace, social exclusion or marginalisation can manifest in various forms, leading to social disadvantage and relegation to the fringe of society. This phenomenon can profoundly affect individuals, affecting their sense of belonging, self-worth, and overall well-being. Organisations must recognise and address these issues to foster a more inclusive and supportive work environment.

One common form of workplace social exclusion is discrimination based on factors such as race, gender, age, or disability. Employees who are marginalised in this way often face barriers to advancement, unequal treatment, and limited access to opportunities for growth and development. This can create a toxic work environment that erodes trust and undermines morale among staff members.

Another form of social exclusion in the workplace is isolating specific individuals or groups from the broader team. This can occur through exclusion from social activities, decision-making processes, or informal networks essential for career advancement. Such isolation can breed loneliness, alienation, and resentment, decreasing productivity and job satisfaction.

When employees are targeted for their differences or perceived weaknesses, they may experience psychological distress and feel ostracised by their peers. This can have devastating effects on their mental health and overall sense of well-being, affecting their ability to perform effectively in their roles.

Gaslighting

Workplace gaslighting is a subtle form of manipulation that can often go unnoticed. It involves a bully or a toxic individual using psychological tactics to make their victim doubt their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Gaslighting can have a severe impact on the victim's mental and emotional well-being, causing them to question their reality and feel isolated and powerless.

Workplace gaslighting goes unnoticed because it is often subtle and covert. The bully may use subtle manipulation tactics such as undermining the victim's accomplishments, spreading rumours about them, or constantly belittling them. These tactics are often done behind closed doors or in private conversations, making it difficult for others to notice the abuse.

Another reason workplace gaslighting can go unnoticed is that the victim may not even realise they are being gaslighted. The bully may use tactics to make the victim doubt their thoughts and feelings, leading them to believe they are overreacting or imagining things. This can make it difficult for the victim to recognise that they are being manipulated and abused.

The Need to Eradicate Bullying

Organisations must address workplace bullying promptly and effectively to create a safe and respectful work environment for employees. This can be achieved by having clear policies, training on bullying behaviour, and encouraging employees to speak up if they witness or experience bullying.

Workplace bullying, including intimidation, exclusion, and toxic behaviour, can have severe consequences for an individual's well-being and productivity. By promoting a culture of respect, collaboration, and inclusivity, organisations can prevent toxic behaviour and create a positive work environment where all employees feel valued and supported.

Organisations and colleagues must be mindful of how exclusion and constant criticism can impact individuals in the workplace. These behaviours can lead to feelings of isolation, insecurity, and disengagement. Organisations must proactively address and prevent workplace bullying to promote employee well-being and success.

An Organisation's Role in Eradicating Bullying

To address workplace bullying, organisations must create a culture of respect, accountability, and inclusivity. This includes establishing clear anti-bullying policies, providing training on appropriate behaviour, and fostering open communication channels for employees to report any instances of bullying. It is also crucial for team leaders to role model positive behaviour and address any instances of bullying promptly and effectively.

Witnesses of workplace humiliation must speak up, and organisations should take proactive measures to address such behaviour. Prioritising diversity and inclusion, implementing anti-discrimination training, and fostering a culture of respect can combat social exclusion in the workplace. Managers are crucial in advocating for inclusivity, addressing discrimination, and supporting marginalised employees.

Organisations can create a welcoming environment for all employees by promoting empathy and understanding. Addressing workplace bullying and creating a supportive environment is essential for employees' well-being. Organisations can prevent covert bullying by fostering open communication, respect, and constructive feedback. It is critical to recognise the impact of constant criticism on a person's sense of well-being and peace of mind and take proactive measures to prevent bullying and promote a positive work environment.

Organisations need to establish a culture of respect and communication to prevent workplace gaslighting, which can have severe effects on mental and emotional well-being. Gaslighting behaviour must be recognised and addressed through policies against bullying and harassment, training on how to respond to gaslighting, and promoting open communication between employees and team leaders.

The Individual's Role to Eradicate Bullying

Victims of workplace intimidation often do not report it due to fear of retaliation, leading to a culture of silence and acceptance that allows bullying behaviour to persist. The impact of workplace intimidation can result in decreased performance, increased stress, anxiety, and even physical health problems, contributing to job dissatisfaction and a toxic work environment.

Raising awareness about the harmful effects of verbal abuse and providing support to those affected by it is essential to creating a safer and more respectful environment for everyone. Organisations play a crucial role in opposing workplace humiliation and promoting professionalism and respect through clear policies and training on effective communication. Creating a positive work environment where all employees feel valued and supported is essential in fostering a productive and healthy workplace.

Organisations must encourage staff to report every case of bullying or unacceptable behaviour to their HR Team and to record patterns of bullying or inappropriate behaviour, even if taking action against the bully is not possible at the time. However, it is never acceptable for an organisation to allow a perpetrator of bullying to continue in post, especially when they are a senior manager, as this is a sign of the organisation's failure to deal with the issues of bullying, as well as showing that bullying behaviour is acceptable to the determinant of those who are being bullied.

Additional articles can be found at People Management Made Easy. This site looks at people management issues to assist organisations and managers in increasing the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of their services and products to the customers' delight. ©️ People Management Made Easy. All rights reserved.