Let’s be honest. The last thing you want to see in your workplace is bullying. However, as much as this is a vice in most companies, it doesn’t stop it from happening. And as a result, you end up losing the best and qualified employees, or even expensive lawsuits that ruin your brand reputation and lead to losses.
So, if you are an employer looking for instances of workplace bullying, you are in the right
place. Today, our article focuses on providing you with five examples of bullying you should not allow in your workplace. We will also show you how you can deal with them. Let’s jump right into it.
- Cyberbullying
If you thought that cyberbullying is common to teenagers only, you are wrong. It also happens in the workplace. The bully might decide to use social media, emails, or even text to offend their colleague. These texts will include inappropriate jokes and wording targeting someone’s gender, race, sexual orientation, or age.
- Spreading lies or rumours
Spreading lies or rumors about someone else can be exceedingly hurtful. Typically, these negative statements come in gossip, slander, and defamation of character. Regardless of how harmless they may seem, they can lead to lawsuits.
- Using offensive language
A workplace is an environment where you, as the employer, should employ strict guidelines on how people should communicate even during times of high pressure. Offensive language comes in the form of yelling, using profane language, threatening another worker, or trying to be funny when you shouldn’t.
- Exclusion of information or from events
Workers can choose to keep important information from one of their workers or even decide not to send an email or invitation to a colleague they feel they shouldn’t be part of a meeting or event. Remember that a workplace is an environment where you should treat everyone equally regardless of gender, age, or race.
- Giving impossible deadlines
It’s essential for you, as an employer, to set fair deadlines for employees. Otherwise, setting impossible deadlines can lead to serious business mistakes, unproductivity, conflict, and stress to the employee. If you are giving tight deadlines to your employee, it could be a sign of bullying.
How do you deal with these types of bullying?
Once you notice these problems, it’s essential to take the necessary steps as quickly as possible. Start by approaching the offender and warning them about it. If you are the victim, communicate to the bully that you don’t find their jokes funny or offensive language polite. Don’t overreact when you receive these messages. Print them and keep them as evidence if the bullying doesn’t stop.
If you felt the bully excluded you, ensure that you communicate to your direct supervisor; alternatively, you can speak to the HRM so that they can take the necessary action.
Bottom line
The truth is that bullying takes place in most workplaces. Although they seem harmless at first, it’s always good to deal with them as soon as they happen to prevent occurrence. Have a strict code of conduct for all employees to let them know the consequences of failing to conduct themselves appropriately.