Bullying
Bullying at work is a term that covers a lot of uncivil and harassing behavior designed to denigrate ability and undermine achievement.
Why do people become bullies?
There are many explanations, including a suggestion that these are people who were abused as children and continue a pattern of abuse in the workplace; or that these are people who feel inadequate and project their insecurity onto others over whom they have some control (“I’ll make you look bad so I look better”); or, these are schoolyard bullies who learned that intimidation and aggression worked as a way to get ahead and get respect.
Bullying affects your health and happiness
As with other forms of harassment, bullying results in stress and anxiety. Signs that you are experiencing workplace bullying may include:
- you feel physically sick at the thought of going to work
- you experience stress-related health problems, such as problems sleeping, memory problems, irritable bowel syndrome, high blood pressure, depression, etc.
- you need frequent time away from work (“mental health days”) but you are listless and tired on your days off
- you find yourself obsessing about work and the way you’re being treated
- you are constantly irritable and angry, even at home
- you are constantly on edge, waiting for yet another shoe to drop