A recent survey revealed that 30% of employees have experienced bullying in the workplace. It’s important to remember that no matter what role you play in the office, anyone can be the victim or bully. The health and well-being of the victim can be negatively affected by workplace bullying. It can also have a negative impact on productivity and performance at work.

Bullying may be common but that does not mean it is acceptable. Both employers and employees must be able recognize workplace bullying and take necessary steps to prevent it. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you have ever been bullied at work or if you recognize any type of harassment. Here are a few subtle signs of bullying at work:

Isolation and Exclusion

If your coworkers isolate you physically or socially, it could be a sign that you are a victim. In professional settings, isolation and exclusion are common. For example, not being invited to important conversations or meetings involving making important organizational decision is a form of exclusion.

Bullies often behave in a more subtle manner when they exclude you from workplace social events, such as luncheons or happy hours. Bullies can ignore you, avoid you and not speak to you.

# 2 – Intimidation

If your employer intimidates you frequently, then you may be the victim of workplace bullying. The intimidation at work can be subtle, with your boss or senior colleagues threatening you through text messages or emails. In more extreme scenarios, the bully might throw objects or slam the door in your presence while avoiding the other co-workers’ view.

You may also be intimidated if your boss threatens you with termination to maintain power and control over you. A boss who is bullying you may threaten to hurt you physically. The invasion of your personal space is also a form of intimidation.

#3 – Undue Criticism

You can be bullied if your boss constantly criticizes you at work, making you think that you are not doing a good job or feel ashamed. If your boss criticizes you for no reason, or constantly, your work, your behavior, and your performance, it can lead to a feeling of being undervalued and incompetent, which will lower your morale at work.

You are being bullied if you receive constant and unrelenting criticism, whether it is from your boss or coworker, despite the fact that you have done a good job and you’re competent. The bad news is that bullies at work have a tendency to always keep their target in mind.

Endnote

Bullying can take many forms, from intimidation and unfair criticism to isolation. You can maintain your self-esteem by being able to identify workplace bullying. The management team and you must adopt a policy of zero tolerance for the vice.

Remember that bullying does not mean you are wrong. It’s just a deliberate decision made by the bully. The organization and its employees can both benefit from taking appropriate measures to combat workplace bullying.