How to get help if you are bullied at work

If you are bullied in the workplace, it can make your whole life a nightmare. We spend so much time at work. If someone is getting at you at work, the stress spills over into family life too. So when it has got to a point where you dread going to work every day, what can you do to move forwards positively? This might involve speaking out or pursuing legal rights perhaps with the help of someone like Prosperity Law or via an advice agency. Here are tips on ow to get help if you are bullied at work.

How to get help if you are bullied at work

Being bullied can eat away  at your self-esteem. Your bully may make fun of you for being over-sensitive. Whilst it is fine for a boss to highlight any poor performance or wrongdoing on your part, it is not OK to belittle you or to pile on pressure. Bullying can sometimes be identified by its repetitive nature and it can be done to you in so many ways and face-to-face, over the telephone and in written communications via text and email.

Examples of bullying behaviours

• Rudeness
• Insults
• Gossip
• Ignoring
• Excluding
• Victimising
• Giving degrading, demeaning or pointless tasks
• Threats
• Sexual abuse
• Blocking access to training or promotion

Feelings on being bullied

Being bullied can lead to various negatives in your life. These might include:

• Lack of motivation
• Anxiety
• Sleep problems
• Loss of confidence
• Stress
• Depression

There are no excuses for bullying and the bully is often in a powerful position but it is important to stand up to them.

What to do if you are being  bullied

Initially you could try speaking to the person who you feel is bullying you. Sometimes and only sometimes, the person does not realise their behaviour is out of order. Sometimes just telling someone how you feel can help a relationship work better. I say this because I once was amazed to see one boss and I get through a troublesome time once we started to understand each other that bit better. You could ask a colleague to be with you when you confront the other person. If this does not work, you can talk to your line manager or the Human Resources Department.

Taking legal action

You could put in a grievance about the situation. All too often though, grievances end up with you being on a disciplinary charge. This is when you would be well advised to contact ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) for support. which comes free of charge.

Sometimes bullies go as far as sacking you in which case you will need employment law advice about unfair dismissal. In other situations, you may find the situation so intolerable that you choose to leave yourself and then you can look into claiming constructive unfair dismissal.

In conclusion, always know that bullying in any environment is unacceptable. It always defines the bully rather than yourself. Do not suffer in silence and respect yourself enough to reach out for support. That is a sign of strength.

Do you have tips on how to get help if you are bullied at work?

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