THE TERM “BULLYING” is not generally used and heard of in the workplace but is mostly associated with schools and schoolchildren. However, it seems that this behaviour has gravitated from the playground and has raised its monstrous head in the workplace.
Workplace bullies have many faces but are usually identified as people in authority; thus bullying is often done covertly by people who abuse or misuse the power or authority of their position to manipulate, intimidate, humiliate, degrade, undermine or ostracize other colleagues. This behaviour is reflected in repeated attacks or ongoing patterns of action.
These bullies create a sense of defencelessness and injustice as they try to undermine their victims’ rights in the working environment. They inject fear into their victims, who become accepting for fear of losing their job or “upsetting the apple cart”.
Workplace bullies can manifest themselves in various ways:
• Unrealistic expectations. They set tasks and unrealistic expectations, knowing the outcomes are unreachable in the particular time frame. They set up the victim to fail.
• Threats. They make threats of firing or docking pay if the victim does not accede to requests or accept their actions. They are not open to discussion.
• Show deceit. They encourage other employees in fabricating stories and offering bribes or promises.
• Sabotage. Bullies may go to great lengths to sabotage the work of the victim, even withhold important information.
• The silent treatment. Bullies sometimes have an “inner circle” who will join in and ostracize victims, completely isolating them. The victim is the recipient of stealthy looks, and sees and hears the whispers.
• Rumours and gossip. These are commonplace with bullies. Some tell vicious white lies that result in rumours and gossip filtering through the workplace and tarnishing or destroying the victim’s reputation.
Bullying will result in failed organizations. When bullying is rampant, the workplace environment becomes toxic and will not be conducive to healthy coexistence. Workers will be stressed, lack motivation, have low self-esteem and experience serious physical and mental health issues that will result in high levels of absenteeism, low productivity and staff morale, and even frequent staff turnover.
If you’re being bullied at work, there are steps you can take to combat it:
• Document – keep a diary detailing the nature of the bullying. Note dates, times, places, what was said or done, and who was present. Have a witness present during any meetings with the bully. • Tell someone – even if you have to complain to senior management. Be aware that bullies will use their Jekyll and Hyde nature and charm to deny and perhaps misconstrue your accusations.
Bullies are unsure about who they are. More often than not, they are masking low self-esteem and lack of skills to effectively do the job. This is a subtle cry for help. If you are aware of bullying in the workplace and turn a blind eye, you are an accomplice. Stand up for what is right and be part of the solution!
• Rhonda A. Blackman is an educator, a National Development Scholar and former president of the Early Childhood Association of Barbados Inc. Email theopenhaversack@gmail.com.
