Bullying can happen to anyone at any age. Often, there is an assumption that bullying only affects school-age children, but this is simply not the case. Many workers across the United States are negatively affected by bullying in the workplace, and this can affect a person’s enjoyment of life, as well as their ability to progress in their career.

It is important to recognize that workplace bullying can be fought against since it can constitute a form of illegal workplace harassment. If your employment experience is affected by nasty or ill-intentioned behavior, you should make sure that you are able to recognize the more subtle signs of workplace bullying.

Ignoring your input and suggestions

Workplace bullying does not always take the form of certain actions. Instead, it can be inaction that defines it. For example, if you find that you are being ignored by a coworker, especially in situations where you believe that your input would be valid, this could constitute workplace bullying. All employees must treat their coworkers with dignity and respect.

Making excuses for nasty behavior

If you bring up issues you have with a coworker’s behavior, the mature and appropriate response would be for your coworker to take this feedback on board and be willing to discuss it. However, if the coworker who took the action or the manager to whom you are reporting the incident makes excuses for the inappropriate behavior, this is a major red flag.

Isolating and excluding you

Every employee should be made to feel involved with all aspects of working life, whether this is being included in business meetings or being invited to company parties. If you are made to feel that you are being excluded from certain aspects of the workplace, this can be a form of workplace bullying.

Having your work undermined

If you are constantly striving to be the best employee you can be but you feel that your manager is constantly blocking your progress, you should question why this is. As an employee, you have the right to be supported in actions that make the business more successful.

You should not tolerate workplace bullying, because if you do not take action, your career could be negatively affected.