Bullying in the Workplace

What Can You Do If You're Being Bullied? 

• If your employer allows you access to a confidential counselling service or Employee Assistance Program, start there. Your counsellor will help you determine whether you are being bullied, and advise you on the best way to deal with the situation.
• It will help to keep a journal for a period, with details of the situations where you have felt you were subjected to bullying. Record the date, time, people involved, and any witnesses.
• "As soon as targets begin to notice stigmatising treatment, they should consider seeking guidance from a union representative or human resources member," advises Dr Jess Alberts, a professor at the Hugh Downs School. "However, every context is different, and targets should be aware that any action on their part could potentially escalate the bullying."
• Depending on their level of training, your company's Health and Safety Representative may also able to intervene on your behalf, or you can contact an employment watchdog group or the Offices of Equal Employment Opportunity or Industrial Relations in your area for independent advice.
• Job Watch and WorkSafe advise recording when and to whom you reported the bullying behaviour. If nothing changes, put your complaint in writing to your employer and request that action is taken.
• Obtain advice from your union, solicitor, Job Watch, or Legal Aid if you feel you will be required to take any legal action against your employers, or if you decide to resign.

Don't Fall Into The Bully Trap! 

When you're out of your depth, it's all too easy to resort to bullying tactics.

• Be fair, treat people equally, even the difficult team member who seems to bring the rest of the team down.
• Take complaints seriously. Address the issue immediately if you have the authority, or pass it on to the appropriate person, and keep your staff updated on progress.
• Understand what your team does and ask whether they are satisfied with the use of their skills. Give them access to support and training to develop their careers.
• Keep your team informed. This is not always possible with confidentiality issues, but if you have a reputation for being honest with your staff, it will be easier for them to trust you to update them when you can.
• If someone makes a mistake, be strong enough to bring it to their attention - but do it privately.
• Give credit where it's due. Never take credit for someone else's work.
• If you have to assign a task, ask - don't give orders or try to manipulate your staff.
• Remember, you have the right to request appropriate training if you are offered a chance to manage someone. As a manager, you will have responsibilities that you may not be aware of. Make sure your employer gives you the support you need.