Harassment or bullying in the workplace is very common.
It can create confusion as it is often initially very hard to understand, bullying behaviours can be quite illogical and manipulative. A lot of time and energy can go into trying to understand or finding a 'reason' for such conduct.Help can come from you immediate Manager, Human Resources, Employment Assistance Program or the Union. Grievance procedures can be followed if you being unfairly treated by a colleague.
There are typical behaviours to look out for, such as:
- Controlling situations regardless of other people's opinions or input
- Finding fault, flaws and potential errors as a pattern
- Approval seeking behaviours
- Seeking attention at all costs, cannot stand being overlooked or ignored
- Threatening behaviours
- Covert or inappropriate responses or behaviours
- Creating divisions with other work colleagues
- Inappropriate humour
Once the feelings and understanding of bullying and harassment have been identified the following ways of dealing with it are important:
- Stop trying to understand or make sense of the illogical, confusing behaviours' of the bully
- Don't get sucked into believing it's your fault
- Don't confront a bully, if required always have a third person attending
- Keep all evidence eg. diarise, take copies of emails, phone messages etc. (don't rely on your memory)
- Avoid isolation, stay in contact with supportive people
- Care for yourself with relaxation and pleasurable activities in your life outside work
- Use a personal journal of your thoughts and feelings
- Be prepared to leave or resign if you need to, however make sure you leave with all your entitlements and get help from the appropriate people if needed
Deborah, Counsellor at Enough is Enough
