Bullying in the Workplace: How to Recognize and Prevent It
Bullying is often associated with school, but it also occurs frequently among adults, especially in the workplace. Since we may spend more time with colleagues than loved ones, conflicts stemming from different personalities and professional goals can create tension and lead to bullying.
Understanding Bullying and Harassment
Harassment involves offensive, intimidating, or humiliating behavior, often related to protected characteristics like race, gender, religion, or disability. It can be a single incident. In contrast, bullying consists of repeated behaviors that create a power imbalance and often aim to isolate the target, regardless of organizational hierarchy.
As with harassment, just because a person does not intend to bully or fails to realize their behavior is bullying, it does not mean it is not bullying.
Recognizing Bullying Behaviors
Bullying can be subtle and easy to overlook during routine workplace activities. It may manifest in various forms:
- Behavioral or interpersonal actions
- Work-related interference
- Emotional manipulation or distress
Often, the most noticeable signs are changes in the bullied employee's behavior.
Key Points to Identify Bullying
- Repeated negative actions targeting an individual
- Creation of an imbalance of power
- Intent to isolate or undermine the person
Preventing Workplace Bullying
Awareness of bullying signs and understanding its impact enables employees and employers to take effective steps towards prevention, fostering a safer and more respectful work environment.
Author's summary: Workplace bullying is a repeated abuse of power causing isolation and distress, requiring awareness and action to maintain a positive professional environment.
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