It is important to be aware of the signs that may indicate bullying. Being able to recognize and understand what is happening is crucial to being able to intervene and stop the bullying as early as possible.
To combat bullying in the workplace, workplaces, colleagues, shop stewards/safety representatives and managers must understand that bullying can manifest itself in many ways, including both the more visible, aggressive forms and the more subtle, indirect and hidden forms. Only having knowledge of the more direct, aggressive bullying can lead to the more hidden and indirect forms being allowed to continue undisturbed. It is therefore crucial to have systems that promote openness, transparency and justice, so that even indirect and covert bullying can be caught and dealt with before they have serious consequences.
If you are unsure what hidden and indirect bullying can be and what the consequences of it can be, you can see some examples below that I would like to highlight to highlight this form of bullying:
1. You are the target of gossip and rumors
Your colleagues spread negative or false rumors about you behind your back. This can lead to others avoiding you, your boss losing trust in you, or you being excluded from important discussions and projects.
2. You experience workplace sabotage
Others deliberately disrupt or undermine your work. This can happen through misinformation, withholding important feedback, isolating you from teamwork, or actively opposing your ideas and suggestions.
3. Your work performance is constantly undervalued
No matter how well you perform, your contributions are systematically criticized or dismissed. You do not receive recognition for your achievements, others take credit for your work, and you may be excluded from salary increases or career opportunities.
4. You are subjected to gaslighting and passive-aggressive communication
You often feel uncertain about your own perception of reality because colleagues or managers deny or explain away things you know have happened. Criticism is delivered in indirect ways, such as sarcasm, ignoring you, or making vague, undermining comments.
5. You are made the scapegoat for others’ mistakes
You are unfairly blamed for problems or mistakes you did not cause. Others may use you as a shield to cover up their own shortcomings or workplace conflicts, leaving you to take the blame without the chance to defend yourself.
What to do if this is happening to you, or one of your co-worker? Download our guide and get expert help in this difficult situation:
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