Bullying

Bullying

With 14% of us claiming to have been bullied in our current job*, it’s clearly not just a playground phenomenon. But bullying is difficult to spot and open to misinterpretation, making this area a tricky one to navigate. If you or a colleague are unlucky enough to become a victim of bullying we hope this advice will help.

What is classed as ‘bullying’?

According to the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas), bullying may be characterised as “offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour, an abuse or misuse of power through means intended to undermine, humiliate, denigrate or injure the recipient”. It can be carried out by individuals or a group. So, if you feel you are repeatedly singled out for unfair treatment, it’s likely you’re a victim of bullying. Here are a few examples of behaviour which could be classified as bullying:

  • Constant critiscism despite good performance
  • Having responsibilities removed or being given trivial tasks to do
  • Shouting at staff
  • Persistently picking on people in front of others or in private
  • Blocking promotion
  • Regularly and deliberately ignoring or excluding individuals from work activities
  • Setting a person up to fail by overloading them with work or setting impossible deadlines
  • Consistently attacking a member of staff in terms of their professional or personal standing
  • Regularly making the same person the butt of jokes

How do I know the difference between a bully and a tough manager?

Workplace psychologists and training organisations suggest that a manager is a motivator who encourages team members to improve. “Tough but fair” is the usual description, but a bully will enforce targets or ideas without discussion or explanation. A manager supports colleagues, but a bully ridicules them.

If I think I’m being bullied what should I do?

First, find out what your employer’s policy on bullying is – most company’s have a zero-tolerance policy these days. Then, if you don’t want to challenge the bully directly, speak to your line manager or HR department. Anti-bullying charity, the Andrea Adams Trust, suggests keeping a detailed record of every verbal or physical attack too. This will act as vital evidence should your case be taken to an employment tribunal.

Is there legislation to prohibit bullying?

The Protection from Harassment Act 1997 provides civil and criminal law protection from harassment (which includes bullying) in the workplace.

A victim can also bring a claim under the laws protecting employees from discrimination on the grounds of their sex, race, disability, age, religion or sexual orientation.