How to Handle A Co-Worker Who Is A Bully

Use constructive tactics to talk down the bully coworker.

You've gone through middle school and high school and maybe college and gone on to the working world. You feel like you've accomplished something and are ready to take on the world. It doesn't occur to you that you might encounter a bully in the workplace. You thought you left all the bullies behind after high-school graduation. It turns out your office has an insufferable bully, who has targeted you. This person may be male or female. Either way, follow a few steps to attempt to defuse this bad situation.

Instructions

1. Keep a notebook and document everything that goes on and every person you contact or make aware of this situation. Try to find out if the person is bullying other people too.

2. Speak to your supervisor about the situation and follow up with an email. An email gives you a record of when you made her aware of the situation. Make sure you follow the chain of command and your company policies about dealing with this type of situation; don't bypass your boss unless you don't trust her. If possible, give her a chance to address the situation even if you don't have faith in her.

3. If your company has an Employee Assistance Program, speak with someone there. This further supports your claim of office bullying.

4. Speak to the person in a professional but firm manner. You may have to politely refuse to do something unreasonable or ask for something that you need to do your job. You may want to conduct this conversation within earshot or around other coworkers who can later verify or support you if you need to have witnesses to your attempts to address the issue.

5. Speak to someone in your company's Human Resources Department or Labor Relations Board, if you have one. Ask if someone can facilitate a mediation. If do this, ask trusted coworkers if they've had good experiences particular employees in those places and seek help from these helpful people.

6. Seek out professional counseling if you need it and to further support your position about the emotional and physical toll the situation has taken on you.

7. Ask for a transfer to a different department or branch if you don't see the situation improving.

8. Seek outside legal counsel if you feel you must or enlist the help of your union or any professional or trade organizations you belong to.

9. If you decide to quit, you have a better chance of getting unemployment if you can prove that you resigned for compelling reasons that strengthen your unemployment claim.

10. While all of this is going on, keep up with your hobbies, exercise, church, nutrition, sleep, friends and family. Maintaining your health and having other interests help to keep things in perspective and give you a break from the stress of the bullying coworker.

References

• Dumb Little Man: How to Deal with a Workplace Bully