Stop Workplace Bullying: How To Deal With Bullies At Work

Learn how to deal with bullies at work, recognize workplace bullying, and take steps to create a safer, more respectful, and inclusive work environment.

It’s safe to say that no one likes being bullied, whether at work or at home, Yet, workplace bullying, a silent yet pervasive issue, affects employees across industries, creating toxic environments that hinder productivity and emotional well-being.

Examples of workplace bullying cases highlight the damage caused by unchecked harassment. For instance, a study by the Workplace Bullying Institute found that 61% of bullies are bosses, underscoring the need for leadership accountability.

Workplace bullying can disrupt your mental health, productivity, and overall job satisfaction. Whether you’re a victim, manager, or bystander, knowing how to deal with bullies at work is essential to fostering a healthy professional environment.

Contents

What is Workplace Bullying?

Workplace bullying involves persistent mistreatment, including verbal abuse, social exclusion, or sabotaging someone’s work.

Defined as repeated, unreasonable actions by individuals or groups intended to intimidate, degrade, or humiliate, workplace bullying often goes unnoticed until its impacts become severe.

Common examples of workplace bullying include belittling comments during meetings, withholding crucial information, or unwarranted blame for errors.

These actions erode confidence, induce stress, and may even lead to symptoms of PTSD from workplace bullying, such as anxiety and depression.

How To Deal With Bullies in the Workplace

Addressing workplace bullying requires understanding its forms, taking action, and knowing your rights. Learn how to deal with bullies in the workplace, complete with examples to help you navigate this challenging issue effectively.

#1. Recognize the signs of workplace bullying

Understanding what constitutes bullying is the first step. Workplace bullying includes verbal abuse, exclusion, micromanagement, and sabotage. Identifying workplace bullying can be challenging.

Signs of workplace bullying include a sudden drop in morale, frequent absenteeism, or employees avoiding certain individuals. If you’re a manager, conducting workplace bullying training can help staff recognize and address bullying behaviors effectively.

Examples:

A supervisor constantly belittles your work during team meetings.
A coworker spreads false rumors about you to undermine your reputation.

Tip: Look for patterns. If the behavior is repeated and targets you unfairly, it qualifies as bullying.

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#2. Document incidents of workplace bullying

Keep a detailed log of bullying episodes. Include dates, times, locations, and witnesses. This record can support your case if you escalate the matter.

Example:

You notice your manager consistently excludes you from important emails and meetings. Write down when it happens and who else was included in the communications.

Tip: Save emails, texts, or notes that showcase the bully’s behavior.

Resources:

Dealing with Toxic Management as an Employee

#3. Set boundaries and communicate directly

Responding non-violently to bullying is crucial. Emotional resilience and assertive communication are key to diffusing tense situations. If it feels safe, confront the bully calmly and assertively.

Let them know how their behavior affects you. For example, calmly restating a colleague’s unjust criticism and asking for clarification can expose unreasonable behavior without confrontation.

Example:

When a coworker repeatedly interrupts you during meetings, say, “I’d like to finish my
point before moving on. Can we ensure everyone has a chance to speak?”

Tip: Use “I” statements to express how their actions make you feel without accusing them.

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#4. Seek support from colleagues

Talk to trusted coworkers who may have observed the bullying. Their perspective can validate your experience and provide additional evidence if necessary.

Example:

A teammate confirms they’ve also noticed your manager undermining your ideas in meetings. Together, you approach HR with your concerns.

Tip: Build alliances in your workplace to counteract the isolating effects of bullying.

Resources:

How to Build Good Relationship Skills

#5. Report workplace bullies to HR

If confronting the workplace bully about their toxic behavior doesn’t work, escalate the issue to your HR department or a higher authority.

Example:

After a coworker consistently mocks you in the break room, you file a formal complaint with HR, providing documentation and witness accounts.

Tip: Familiarize yourself with your company’s anti-bullying policies before filing a report.

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#6. Understand your legal rights

Where is workplace bullying illegal? Workplace bullying laws vary by location. Research whether your region, such as California, Florida, or New York, has laws addressing bullying or harassment.

Mandatory workplace bullying training helps employees recognize and address harassment. You attend a session and gain confidence in handling your case.

Example:

In California, workplace bullying laws mandate anti-bullying training for employers with more than 50 employees, though bullying itself is not explicitly illegal.

In New York, workplace bullying laws focus on harassment related to discrimination, while Florida workplace bullying laws emphasize employee rights in severe cases.

Tip: Consult workplace bullying lawyers if the bullying overlaps with discrimination or harassment, making it potentially illegal.

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#7. Adopt self-care practices

Workplace bullying can take a toll on your mental and emotional health. Learning how to deal with bullies as an adult often involves navigating power dynamics.

Focus on self-care strategies to stay resilient. Establishing boundaries, seeking professional support, and practicing self-care are critical steps.

Example:

You start journaling to process your feelings and practice mindfulness exercises to reduce stress caused by bullying.

Tip: Don’t hesitate to seek professional counseling if bullying affects your mental health.

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#8. Participate in workplace bullying training

Workplace bullying training equips employees with the tools to identify and respond to inappropriate behavior. Regular workshops and anonymous reporting systems empower staff to address issues before they escalate.

Advocate for or participate in training programs that teach employees and managers to recognize and address bullying.

Example:

During a workshop, you learn effective strategies to communicate with difficult colleagues and role-play scenarios to practice conflict resolution.

Tip: Suggest regular training sessions to ensure a bullying-free workplace culture.

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#9. Protect yourself as a manager

Workplace bullying is a challenge that demands proactive measures. If you’re a manager dealing with a bullying employee, it’s your responsibility to address the behavior.

Knowing how to deal with bullies at work as a manager is a critical leadership skill that can help you protect both your team and your reputation.

Example:

After receiving complaints, you hold a private meeting with the employee accused of bullying. You outline specific behaviors that must change and offer coaching resources.

Tip: Be impartial and document every step to ensure fairness and transparency.

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#10. Consider legal action

Can you sue for workplace bullying? In severe cases, suing for workplace bullying may be an option if the behavior violates laws against harassment or creates a hostile environment.

Legal protections against workplace bullying vary by location. While bullying alone may not always be illegal, victims may have grounds for a lawsuit if it overlaps with discrimination or creates a hostile work environment.

Consulting workplace bullying lawyers can help clarify your rights in different jurisdictions and offer advice on whether a case meets these criteria.

Example:

A New York workplace bullying law allows you to take action when the behavior stems
from discrimination or retaliation.

Tip: Gather substantial evidence and consult workplace bullying lawyers to assess the strength of your case.

Resources:

Get Legal Advice from an Attorney Online

#11. Foster a positive work culture

Prevent bullying by encouraging an inclusive and respectful workplace. Encourage open communication and foster a culture of respect to prevent issues from escalating.

Proactively establish a zero-tolerance policy and investigate complaints with impartiality.

Example:

You initiate a peer recognition program that celebrates employee achievements, creating a supportive environment that discourages bullying.

Tip: Promote open dialogue about workplace issues during team meetings to catch and address concerns early.

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#12. Know when to move on

If the bullying persists despite your efforts, it may be time to consider leaving the toxic workplace environment.

Example:

After exhausting all avenues, you decide to switch to a new job where the culture aligns with your values of respect and inclusivity.

Tip: Update your resume and seek roles at organizations known for fostering positive work environments.

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Understanding workplace bullying and taking action is essential for protecting your well-being and fostering a healthier work environment. Whether confronting a bully, supporting a colleague, or managing a team, taking proactive steps ensures bullying behaviors are addressed and resolved effectively.

From recognizing the signs of workplace bullying to understanding workplace bullying laws, addressing this issue protects employees’ mental health and fosters a positive work environment.

By implementing these strategies, addressing issues proactively, and seeking legal advice when necessary, you can create or contribute to a workplace that values respect, inclusion, and safety for everyone.

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Priya Florence Shah

Priya Florence Shah is a bestselling author and an award-winning blogger. Check out her book on emotional self-care for women. Priya writes short stories and poetry and chills with her two-legged and four-legged kids in her spare time.

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