There is more than one form of workplace bullying

Do you have reason to believe you’re the victim of workplace bullying? Do you dread the thought of going into work because of one or more abusive people? Has the time come to learn more about your legal rights?

It’s important to realize that there is more than one form of workplace bullying, as this goes a long way in helping you determine whether you’re a victim. It’s not always easy to bring workplace bullying to an end. But you shouldn’t have to deal with this for any reason.

A hostile workplace is difficult to endure. With this in mind, let’s examine a few of the most common forms of workplace bullying:

• You’re always the butt of the joke. There is nothing wrong with harmless kidding and teasing, but there are times when someone crosses the line and turns into a bully.
• Sabotage. There are people out there who may attempt to sabotage your work in order to make themselves look better. It may be hard to believe, but this is a particularly toxic and common example of bullying tactics.
• Critics. It’s one thing to offer occasional constructive criticisms, but these folks are critical of everything you do, no matter what it may be. There are times when this can go entirely too far, especially if it’s having a negative impact on your career.
• Keeping you on the outside looking in. Cliques can form at your place of employment. This can be unfortunate, or it can rise to the level of actionable misconduct. Cliques often form based on impermissible racial or gender discrimination.
• Gossip. This has been, and always will be, one of the most common forms of workplace bullying. Just the same as back in high school, some people like to gossip, even if it damages your career in the process.

With so many forms of workplace bullying, it’s no surprise that many people find themselves in the crosshairs. If you are a victim of bullying, don’t hesitate to report the behavior to the appropriate party. From there, if you don’t get the answers you’re looking for, it may be time to learn more about your legal rights and take action in order to defend yourself.