How to Cope With Incivility & Bullying in the Workplace
Bullying and incivility in the workplace can make performing essential job functions difficult, and can also interfere with your self-esteem. Whether it's a co-worker or your boss who is treating you poorly, you don't have to stand for it. Bullying based on protected personal categories like race, religion, gender or disability is illegal. No laws prevent other types of workplace bullying, unless it verges on mental or physical abuse. However, you can take steps to stop it before it gets worse.
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Instructions
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Document each incident when it occurs. Write down the date of the incident, the time of the incident and what happened. Continue doing this until you see a pattern emerge. A single incident may not get attention, but a sustained pattern of behavior will have to be addressed.
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Copy any letters, memos or emails that have a bullying or rude tone to them. Highlight the dates and times of the communications. Highlight the parts of the communication that are rude or threatening. Store these with your journal, away from the office.
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Walk away whenever you can. If you can leave the situation without putting your job on the line, simply move physically away from the negative situation. Don't try to speak and defend yourself unless you feel it is absolutely necessary. Doing so may encourage bullies to continue mistreating you.
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Set up a meeting with someone who is higher up in the company than the bully, or a human resources representative. Only do this after you have established a pattern of behavior. Ask people who have witnessed the bullying to stand up for you. If they agree, give their names to your boss or HR contact, along with the evidence you've collected, at the meeting.
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Speak to a counselor. Workplace bullying can be harmful to your self-esteem and health. Speaking to a professional can help you allay some of the fears and anxieties that being bullied in the workplace may leave with you.
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Tips & Warnings
Contact the police if you're physically in danger.
