Bullying in the work place is defined as frequent and negative actions committed by one individual, or more, against a co-worker who has difficulties with defending him. These actions cause the targeted individual great discomfort and undermine his self-confidence.
Making life unbearable
There are many methods which antagonists apply to make life unbearable for the victims; defamation, e.g. gossip, backbiting and stories used to undermine the reputation of the victim, wrongful accusations about work performance, constant and unjustified criticism, humiliation in the presence of others, hurtful comments and name-calling, direct verbal or physical threats, increased work pressure, degrading reference to age, gender or complexion, personal insults, ridicule, aggression, constant changes of work methods or work hours, sabotage, delays at work, exclusion from parties, meetings or trips and even sexual harassment.
It can happen to anyone to be bullied. Bullying in the work place is characterized by a series of events rather than one specific incident. The bullying can therefore be ongoing for many weeks or months before the one who is victimized becomes aware that he/she has become the victim of bullying.
The one who is responsible for bullying can be a co-worker, subordinate or supervisor. A few common aspects about the bully can be found, such as lack of self-confidence, insecurity, social incompetence or administrational incompetence. To hide this incompetence, the antagonist often resorts to transfer it on to his co-worker, e.g. by hiding information from him, constantly criticizing him or accusing him falsely.
The consequences
The consequences of bullying are manifested in various ways by the victim. He can e.g. experience anxiety, mood swings, fear, bitterness, desperation, need for revenge, sense of inferiority, insecurity, animosity towards work, impaired survival instinct, helplessness, depression, obsession, reduced self-esteem, impaired trust towards fellow-man, social isolation, reduced work performance, dwindling faith in the future, sense of rejection, suicidal thoughts, insomnia and stress-related diseases such as headache, muscle inflammation and much more.
It is not only the one being bullied who is hurt. The victim’s family is the invisible victim of bullying as the pressure on them increases.
Legal rights
The employer is responsible for ensuring that employees have a good working environment, both technically and socially. The employer must therefore ensure that bullying is not tolerated in the workplace. If the employer fails to respond appropriately, an employee who is subjected to bullying may be entitled to compensation from the employer and the perpetrator.
What can you do?
If you are a victim of bullying or witness bullying, you should intervene by firmly criticising this behaviour. If that is not enough, you should record exactly what happens each time and also check whether other colleagues have been bullied by the same person. If so, you should speak to them.
You should also speak to the shop steward at the workplace, the human resources manager, or your manager. Explain that the bullying is a problem that concerns everyone in the workplace. Remember that VR is within reach and can assist you.