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10 Signs of Bullying At Work.

10 Signs of Bullying At Work.

What could be possible signs of bullying at the workplace?

Do you feel like your self esteem is being compromised at your workplace? Any kind of inappropriate jokes or coercion could be possible signs of bullying which hugely impact your self esteem and performance!

Bullying is not just limited to children. Bullying refers to controlling manipulation or getting something done anyhow by using force coercion or intimidation. Bullying can occur even in the workplace. Women fresher’s or people from the LGBTQIA+ community are more susceptible to being threatened at work.

Here are 10 signs to know if you are being bullied and what you can do about it.

  1. Constantly trying to force you to do something by threatening or intimidation is a form of bullying. You can simply complain about this person or calmly deny doing what they are asking you to do.
  1. Ignoring you in-person or mail not listening to your needs or complaints is also a form of bullying. They might also influence others into ignoring you and making you feel disrespected or trying to reduce the authority your designation holds.
  1. Showing unnecessary superiority. Being rude about any mistake you make, with the pure intention of disrespecting you is bullying. There are decent ways to make people aware of their mistakes and if someone purposely tries to affect your self-esteem by insulting you for any mistake you make, it is time to call out that person and their behaviour.
  1. Making up lies. This is an indirect form of bullying. A colleague trying to make up lies about your personal or professional life and spreading them amongst other employees with the only intention of damaging your reputation needs to be addressed. Complaining to a senior or trying to have a conversation with the person doing this is the only way to stop this from happening.
  1. Taking credit. Making you do a task, not letting your name be acknowledged in front of the concerned authority and trying to take credit for your work is pure manipulation. The only way to stop someone from doing this is by making sure you are vocal about the work you have done and ask for your share of the credit. Do not be submissive and give into the pressure of not trying to upset others.
  1. Being biased. Being biased towards one employee and trying to make the other employee feel less about himself or herself is a form of bullying. When a senior purposely tries to criticize you or insult you even after you have put in all your best efforts, it is important for you to call them out.
  1. Trying to control every action no matter how insignificant at the workplace is a form of bullying. Constant interference and unrealistic standards of work which is desired is also a form of bullying. This simply means that your capabilities are not being respected and valued enough.
  1. Unwanted sexual advances. This one is the most prevalent form of bullying especially for women. Sometimes it is difficult to identify if you have been sexually harassed. A few signs are inappropriate sexual jokes, comments on clothing, touching, trying to talk about topics which are meant to be personal, or informal interactions at inappropriate times are all forms of sexual harassment. Trust your instinct and raise your voice against a potential predator.
  1. Making jokes about you. Someone trying to take a hit at your self-esteem or undermine your authority by trying to make jokes about you in front of other employees is also a form of bullying, where your designation and authority is being targeted. Calling out this behaviour clearly is the only way to make it stop.
  1. Hindering promotions. Trying to bad mouth you or saying or doing something to reduce the credibility of your work just so that you are not able to grow professionally is also a form of bullying. If this happens with you make sure it is brought into the notice of seniors so that you get what you deserve professionally be it respect or a more senior position.

What should you do in any of these cases? Is approaching a senior the only choice? Sometimes, complaining against someone can cause a bigger problem if the person bullying you gets even more infuriated by your action. It is always better to be tactful about the way you bring these things into others’ notice. Ask them to stop in a very diplomatic, but assertive manner. Do not appear like the victim. In case the person bullying you is very superior in position, approach your immediate senior for guidance.
Always make sure that you do not let anyone take your advantage for long. Call them out immediately before you start appearing submissive and become an easy target for bullies!

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