Bullying in the workplace

7:00am Saturday 3rd May 2008

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It is only in recent years that this subject has been widely aired and not before time. Any bullying, be it at school or work, can undermine an individual's confidence and self-esteem and lead to numerous physical and/or psychological problems. These can lead to an employee being absent from work or to seek alternative employment even though they may well enjoy the job aside from one or more individuals they work with.

Why does bullying at work occur? Well, there are numerous laws in place which should prevent an employer or one of the employer's employees doing such a thing, but it is still prevalent and the stats are quite staggering. For this piece, I don't want to dwell on the figures, but they can be found by using the links at the foot of this article.

Next week: Who controls your life?

But in simple terms, it is not a rare occurrence for someone to find their job is being undermined by someone who wants to make their life a misery. It could be anyone in the place of work, not just a line manager and most Human Resources departments now take it so seriously that they have guidelines in place to try and prevent and also to stop it should it occur.

So what do you do if you feel you are being bullied and what is bullying exactly? Effectively it is when an employer or employee makes unreasonable demands on an individual. This could be insisting someone works overtime, works through their breaks, speaks to them in a sexist, racist or offensive manner and a host of other issues which contravene the right of the individual.

If you find this is happening to you, then you may find this simple guidelines useful.

Initially keep a note of the date and time of each incident. With a small list of issues, it may be best to confront the individual to start with and, depending on the issue, ask them why they are treating you in such a way and ascertain if it is a blip, or feel it is something that may continue. If it does continue, then seek a meeting with your manager and find out for yourself what the company's rules and regulations are on bullying and unfair treatment of staff. This may, or may not be available depending on the size of the company as is the possibility of seeking help from your union (should you be a member).

Try and remain factual, calm and positive and state that you would like to work out the issue if the protagonist is also prepared to do so.

If the problem ceases, then the time and effort taken to resolve the issue head on, has been worth it.

But if it continues, seek advice from a higher manager if possible, or your HR department (if there is one), and all the time make sure you keep notes of any incidences that might occur.

Taking care of your health through all of this is very important. If you are suffering symptoms, talk to your doctor. I have helped people who have become very stressed, anxious and depressed because of workplace bullying and there may be the chance to get a referral from your GP.

Counselling can be very effective as it allows an individual to air their views and fears as often they may feel that they are worrying unnecessarily or have got the whole matter out of proportion. Their confidence can be sapped and it might not just be their life at work that is affected. Home life can become a problem and often the degree to which they are suffering can become all encompassing with seemingly no way out.

I have also helped individuals look at why they may be suffering at the hands of a bully, what makes a bully a bully and how to communicate more effectively when faced with an awkward situation.

No one should have to endure such actions from others, and it is therefore important that it does not carry on over a long period of time. Support at these difficult times is essential, so make sure you use all the help and guidance available.

Please use the link below for further information and if you require specific assistance on a problem you are encountering, please feel free to email me at teoti2008@btinternet.com. (Please put 'workplace bullying' in the subject box). All emails will be treated in the strictest confidence.

If you are interested in learning more about this issue, please use these links www.andreaadamstrust.org / www.banbullyingatwork.com