Don't Be A Bully
October is known as the time of year to watch scary movies, drink Pumpkin Spice lattes and go to costume parties. However, there are some out there that are trying to get October to be known for something else – National Bullying Prevention Month. Founded in 2006 by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center as a national week, it became a month-long affair in 2010 with their main goal of raising awareness about bullying and the impacts it can have on not just the victims and the bullies, but those who witness it as well.
Over time bullying can lead to several long-lasting issues such as depression, anxiety and loss of self-esteem. Other things such as decreased academic achievement, changes in sleep/eating habits and other health complaints can also arise for those who are bullied. But did you know that children aren’t the only ones who have to worry about bullies?
In 2016, Forbes concluded that about 75% of working adults are affected by workplace bullying by their peers, subordinates or even their own bosses. But like children, bullying in the workplace can take on many forms. According to an article by The Muse, there are 4 types of workplace bullying you should keep an eye out for:
Aggressive Communication. Simply put, it’s yelling, screaming, cursing out or even sending angry emails or having someone use ‘aggressive body language’ towards you.
Disparagement and Humiliation. This is more subtle than aggressive communication as this type of bullying can be as simple as constant criticism that makes you begin to doubt your own work or skills. Other types of this bullying can be seen as taking credit for your work, excluding you/a coworker from social events or simply playing practical jokes on you.
Manipulation and Withholding of Resources. This type of bullying takes the form of someone intentionally not giving you all the details regarding a project for work, thus setting you up to fail. It can also be seen in ways such as being given a performance review when your work does not warrant it, being punished for minor infractions that other coworkers do not get punished for and other minor things.
Behind-the-Scenes Meddling. This is the more difficult form of workplace bullying to detect, as it only occurs when you are not present. The bully can present themselves as your friend while also putting you down to others when you are not around.
If you or a coworker experiences any form of bullying in the work place, the best way to handle the situation is to simply:
Speak up
Document the abuse and your work performances
Take care of yourself outside of the workplace
Look into company policies on bullying
Speak to your manager or someone in charge (especially if your boss is the bully)
Talk to HR
Look for a new position at another company
For more information about this National Bullying Prevention Month, please visit the PACER website at: https://www.pacer.org/bullying/. You can also show your support for this cause by ordering the official t-shirt, signing up for the newsletter, attending local events and other ways as both an individual or as a community. Most importantly though, the best way to help make a difference is to spread the word and to speak up if you see bullying in your workplace!
