13 signs there’s bullying in your workplace and what to do about it

by Feb 16, 2016

Roll up your sleeves, folks, because we’re about to dive headfirst into the zany world of workplace bullying. Think of this as a sitcom script, but with a life-changing twist! Today, we’re spotlighting 13 laugh-out-loud signs that your workplace could use a hearty dose of friendliness, along with some side-splitting tips on how to turn things around. Get ready for a workplace makeover that’s funnier than a stand-up comedy show at the water cooler!

You think there’s bullying in your workplace but not sure.

Or you know there’s workplace bullying and trying to figure out how to prove it to your boss.

Or your boss told you not to worry about the bullying because goals are still being met.

Or your boss told you to work out an action plan to solve the bullying this year.

If one of these sounds familiar, then I’ve got something for you.

Here’s a list of things that happen when there’s negative behaviors at work, in no particular order.

  1. Reluctance to participate in meetings or after work socials
  2. Work-arounds in order to avoid interaction; or requests to change shifts or move desks
  3. Absenteeism or resignations from good people
  4. Confusion (e.g., removal from a project without explanation; frequent misunderstandings about work instructions)
  5. Frequent angry outbursts
  6. Arbitrary punishment (e.g., a write-up for being two minutes late)
  7. Unhealthy competition for attention, money, bonuses, etc.
  8. Favorites or cliques; clear division among the team
  9. Unresolved conflict; tension between employees, work shifts or departments
  10. Frequent miscommunication
  11. Lack of results from people, both in quality and quantity
  12. Hazing, practical jokes or sarcasm that seems to be getting out of hand
  13. People who were once great employees are all of a sudden receiving poor performance evaluations

If you can point to these issues in your conversations with your boss, then you might get buy-in that workplace bullying is a costly problem. If you already have buy-in, they can serve as a place to start in developing your action plan.

What to do about it

The list of “to-do’s” is long, but one thing you can do now is ensure your already existing harassment training includes information about bullying, as well as behaving in a professional way.

Too often, harassment training is focused on how the law defines harassment, and what not to do. But it’s so, so much more important to focus on what you should be doing instead.

There you have it, folks! Workplace dynamics can sometimes resemble a sitcom, but when you recognize these hilarious signs, it’s time to channel your inner comedian and bring the curtain down on workplace bullying. Laughter and camaraderie should be the stars of your office show, not criticism and exclusion.

By tackling these quirky workplace woes with creativity and a dose of humor, you can transform your office into a place where friendships flourish, teamwork thrives, and everyone looks forward to the next episode. Remember, the workplace comedy can have a happy ending when you rewrite the script with kindness and inclusivity.

So at your next harassment training – or even at your next staff meeting – spark up a conversation about what professionalism means in your workplace.  I’m happy to offer some tips to help you get started. Just shoot me a message.

Do you know how much money chronically bad behavior costs your company? Spoiler alert – it’s a LOT higher than you want it to be. Download our data and worksheet to see how it’s costing your organization and what you can do to fix it.

 

Catherine

About Catherine Mattice

Catherine Mattice, MA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, is the founder/CEO of Civility Partners, an organizational development firm focused on helping organizations create respectful workplace cultures and specializing in turning around toxic cultures. Civility Partners’ clients range from Fortune 500’s to small businesses across many industries. Catherine is a TEDx speaker and an HR thought-leader who has appeared in such venues as USA Today, Bloomberg, CNN, NPR, and many other national news outlets as an expert. She’s an award-winning speaker, author and blogger, and has 50+ courses reaching global audiences on LinkedIn Learning. Catherine’s award-winning book, BACK OFF! Your Kick-Ass Guide to Ending Bullying at Work, was hailed by international leadership-guru, Ken Blanchard, as, “the most comprehensive and valuable handbook on the topic.” Her latest book is Navigating Toxic Work Environments For Dummies (Wiley).

Navigating the Era of “Quiet DEI”

Companies across industries are changing how they talk about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Not too long ago, DEI was splashed across annual reports, websites, and conference stages. Now? The phrase itself has become a political lightning rod, and many...

3 Cultural Faux Pas You Might Not Realize You’re Making

Cultural missteps happen to everyone, even the most seasoned leaders and global brands.  Recently, American Eagle launched a campaign featuring actress Sydney Sweeney with the tagline “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Genes.” The pun on “jeans” was meant to be playful, but it...

HR, Are You Part of the Incivility Problem?

You already know what it feels like to be on the receiving end of workplace “drama.” Complaints about rudeness, tension between team members, and employees quietly disengaging are all part of the daily grind. You know it’s expensive. You know it’s draining for you to...

4 Strategies to Infiltrate Civility Into Your Global Organization

At its core, civility is the foundation of a thriving culture. It shapes how people communicate, lead, resolve tension, and show up, especially when challenges arise. Civility doesn’t look the same everywhere, however. What feels respectful in one culture might come...

Is It Okay To Bully AI?

According to a Pew Research Center study, 79% of Americans interact with artificial intelligence (AI) almost constantly or several times a day. Gartner predicts that by 2026, 80% of enterprises will be using generative AI in some form. That means we’re not just...

What Exactly is Civility vs. Incivility?

August is National Civility Month! Civility has recently climbed to the top of search trends, and with SHRM’s #CivilityAtWork initiative, the conversation is gaining real traction. But here’s the question: do you truly understand what civility means in the workplace?...

Is your workforce survey measuring the right things?

Many HR leaders rely on employee surveys to gauge the health of the workplace culture, but not all surveys are created equal. Whether you're using an engagement survey, a Great Place to Work® survey, or another tool, the question is: Are you gathering the right data?...

Conscious Unbossing: Why Gen Z Is Saying “No Thanks” to Leadership Roles

According to DDI’s Global Leadership Forecast 2025, 80% of HR professionals lack confidence in their leadership pipelines. CEOs are just as concerned, ranking “developing the next generation of leaders” among their top four worries. Gen Z is shaking things up. They’re...

The Workplace Culture Model Every Leader Needs to Know

We all want a workplace where people feel seen, heard, and valued. But building that kind of culture takes more than good intentions and inspirational posters. It demands a clear-eyed look at how people behave, how leaders lead, and how the organization itself either...

From Desperation to Determination: Reflecting on 16 Years of Growth

I just got an email from a spammer offering SEO help for my very old website — www.NoWorkplaceBullies.com. I hadn’t thought about that site in ages, so I typed in the link... and there it was. The original website I built the day I started my business — though it...