Photo by Sebastian Herrmann on Unsplash
Workplace bullying is more common than you might think. It can shake your confidence, drain your energy, and make your job feel unbearable. Whether it’s insults, exclusion, or someone constantly trying to make you look bad, ignoring it won’t make it stop. If you let harassment continue, it may only get worse.
Dealing with unfair treatment on the job from a bully takes patience and a smart approach. If you react too quickly or report the problem without proof, it may not help. But if you follow the right steps, you can shift the power and stand up for yourself. In this article, we will walk you through how to handle workplace bullying and protect your well-being.
1 – Document everything
Writing down what happens is one of the best ways to deal with a workplace bully. Without proof, it’s easy for others to ignore or dismiss the problem. Keeping a record helps you stay prepared if you ever need to report the behavior.
Start by writing down each incident as soon as it happens. Include the date, time, and what was said or done. If anyone else saw it, note their names too. Save emails, messages, or anything else that shows the behavior. If the bullying happens in meetings or phone calls, write a quick summary right after. Keeping everything in one place makes it easier to see patterns and explain what’s happening.
2 – Set boundaries
Setting clear boundaries can help stop a bully from pushing you around. If you don’t respond, they may keep going. But if you show that you won’t accept their behavior, they might back off.
If it feels safe, speak up when they cross the line. Stay calm and firm. Let them know their actions aren’t okay. If they interrupt you, say, “I wasn’t finished speaking.” If they make a rude comment, respond with, “That was unnecessary.” Keep your voice steady and professional so they see you won’t be an easy target.
Don’t get into arguments or let them upset you. Bullies like to get a reaction, and if you stay calm, they may lose interest. If they try to embarrass you in front of others, don’t engage. Answer them quickly, then move on. Staying in control makes it harder for them to keep bothering you.
3 – Look to your colleagues
Having support at work can help a lot when dealing with a bully. Facing the problem alone can feel stressful, but knowing others are on your side makes it easier. If coworkers have seen the bullying or experienced it themselves, they can help you feel less alone.
Start by talking to people you trust and have a supportive relationship with. A coworker who has witnessed the behavior might be willing to back you up if you report it. Even if they don’t want to get involved, they can listen and offer advice. Just knowing that others see what’s happening can make a difference.
