Workplace bullying is a serious issue that can create a hostile environment and unfair feelings of fear or anxiety. If you have experienced bullying at work, reach out to an Atlanta hostile work environment attorney for legal advice and representation.
What is the Definition of Workplace Bullying?
Bullying on its own is defined as harming or intimidating another individual, generally someone the bully perceives as vulnerable or less than. Bullying in the workplace can be identified as repeated and unreasonable actions directed toward one or more employees with the intent to intimidate, degrade, or humiliate them. It often presents itself in poor treatment, offensive language, threats, or negative treatment in general.
What Are Some Examples?
Workplace bullying can create a hostile work environment and make it difficult for the employee and people around them to complete their tasks and successfully function in the work environment. Examples of bullying in the workplace can include the following.
- Yelling or cursing at an employee
- Giving constant and unwarranted criticism
- Making demeaning or derogatory comments
- Not giving an employee credit for their work
- Constantly bringing up mistakes they have made and belittling their achievements
- Sending offensive or aggressive comments through emails, messaging platforms, or notes
- Creating undue stress by overworking an employee or presenting them with impossible tasks or deadlines
- Spreading malicious rumors
- Excluding an employee from team events or isolating them
What is the Difference Between Workplace Bullying and Workplace Harassment?
Workplace bullying and harassment are similar in the sense that they both involve an individual using power and control to physically or emotionally harm another person. Harassment often manifests itself in the same way that bullying does. The difference arises when you consider that harassment, by definition, is directed at an individual or group based on a protected class. When an employer or coworker bullies someone due to their race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, disability, or veteran status, the bullying becomes harassment.
What Can I Do About Workplace Bullying?
If you are experiencing workplace bullying you may be tempted to take it on the chin. However, if the bully’s actions prevent you from feeling safe or performing the functions of your job, it is important that you understand your rights and the actions you can take to put an end to the torment.
- Detail each encounter of bullying. Keep notes about the dates and times the encounters occurred, where they happened, what was said, the nature of the bullying, and the names of any witnesses.
- Review your company’s policies. Your company handbook likely outlines the rules and policies regarding workplace bullying and harassment. Familiarize yourself with the rules and learn how you can file a report.
- Make a formal complaint with your supervisor or HR department. Bring the situation to the appropriate party’s attention and provide them with your documentation and any evidence you may have. Having witnesses to corroborate your story can also help the situation.
Your company should launch an investigation and take appropriate steps to discover more about the bullying and put an end to it. If you require further assistance, contact an experienced employment attorney for help.
