How to Recognize and Address Workplace Bullying in Your Organization

reenieb10

Nov 12, 20243 min read

Updated: Jan 10

Hands raised, an individual engaging with coworkers remotely using a computer.

Have You Experienced This in Your Workplace?

Have you ever felt intimidated, excluded, or unsupported at work? Have you ever walked into your office and felt the heavy weight of confusion, irritation, or even anger because of the way others treated you? Have you been the target of workplace bullying, racist comments, homophobia, transphobia, sexism, or gaslighting? Have your ideas been dismissed, your experience trivialized, or your contributions completely ignored?

Have you experienced the sting of cold sarcasm, passive aggression, or outright contempt for simply showing up as yourself? Worse, have you been accused of behaviors that were being perpetrated against you, all to force you out? If so, you may have found yourself questioning your worth, struggling in a constant state of fight-or-flight, wondering why you were treated as an outsider.

Well, You Are Not Alone. And You Are Not at Fault.

A significant number of people in corporate America have experienced similar toxic behaviors. According to a 2023 study by the Workplace Bullying Institute, 30% of U.S. workers have faced workplace bullying at some point in their careers. Nearly 61% of bullying comes from bosses, and targets are often marginalized individuals, including women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ employees. Furthermore, 21% of workers in corporate settings report feeling excluded or marginalized due to their identity or ideas.

I Have Too.

I’ve been there. I know what it’s like to feel the constant tension of being undermined, to have your suggestions for improvement met with contempt, and to endure hateful lies spread to ruin your reputation. I understand the immense relief that comes when you’re no longer in that toxic environment, but also the fear and uncertainty that follows when you’re left without a source of income.

How to Cope and Move Forward

If you’re facing workplace bullying or recovering from its aftermath, remember: your experience is valid, and there are ways to heal and rebuild. Here are some steps you can take, backed by research and experts:

Document Everything

Keep a record of incidents, including dates, details, and any witnesses. This documentation can be critical if you decide to report the behavior or take legal action.

Seek Support

Lean on trusted friends, family, or mental health professionals to help process your experiences. Consider joining support groups or seeking mentorship from those who have navigated similar challenges.

Know Your Rights

Familiarize yourself with workplace anti-bullying and anti-discrimination laws. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) provides resources for those facing harassment based on race, gender, or sexual orientation.

Focus on Self-Care

Prioritize your mental and physical well-being. Engage in activities that bring you peace, such as meditation, exercise, or creative pursuits.

Prepare for What’s Next

If your role was abruptly dissolved, take time to reflect on your strengths and goals. Start updating your resume, reconnect with your network, and explore new opportunities. According to the Harvard Business Review, building a portfolio of skills and experiences can empower you to regain control of your career path.

Embrace Growth

As difficult as these experiences are, they can serve as catalysts for personal and professional growth. Books like The Bully-Free Workplace by Gary Namie and Ruth Namie, or Rising Strong by Brené Brown, provide practical strategies for navigating and overcoming workplace trauma.

Remember, your value is not diminished by the cruelty of others. You have the strength and resilience to rise above this and create a brighter, healthier future for yourself.

Works Cited

Harvard Business Review. (n.d.). How to Bounce Back After Being Let Go. Retrieved from https://hbr.org/
Namie, G., & Namie, R. (2011). The Bully-Free Workplace: Stop Jerks, Weasels, and Snakes from Killing Your Organization. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.
Workplace Bullying Institute. (2023). 2023 WBI U.S. Workplace Bullying Survey. Retrieved from https://workplacebullying.org/
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (n.d.). Harassment. Retrieved from https://www.eeoc.gov/
Brown, B. (2015). Rising Strong. New York, NY: Spiegel & Grau.

*In light of the rising hateful extremist groups in the United States, I am particularly drawn to writing full-time for any organization whose mission is to act as champions for equity and justice, dedicated to dismantling systemic barriers and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. If your organization’s mission revolves around advocating for social rights, promoting inclusivity, and fostering resilience within historically underserved groups, reach out to me. By driving change through policy, education, and grassroots initiatives, let’s seek to build a more just and equitable society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.