Build a Civil Workplace by Recognizing the Signs of Bullying in the Workplace

by Dec 7, 2015

As disappointing as it can be, bullying does not end after graduating from school, as a more serious form of bullying could be experienced in a workplace setting which threatens civility at work. However, it is also to be noted that not all forms of intimidation or reprimanding constitutes bullying. In the military, aggressive behavior among superiors would be necessary in order to push trainees to their limits through tough physical and mental tests.

However, it is a whole new story outside military camps. Being bullied at work is very different from aggressive behavior in the military; moreover, workplace could be a lot subtler and hard to detect.

According to researchers, there is a fine line between strong management behavior and abusive behavior. While constructive feedback are essentially necessary for the development of the organization, cases of abnormal unreasonable treatment or remarks which could cause physical or mental harm to the victim definitely constitutes bullying and the need for an anti-bullying corporate policy.

Aside from thinking of workplace bullying solutions, it is important to detect bullying earlier as to employ a proper remedy before it gets worse. For instance, one should be familiar with the signs of bullying in the workplace. These signs include finding oneself constantly being screamed at, having colleagues spread false stories against you, you experiencing sabotage, your mistakes getting highlighted, you are being socially ignored, your privacy is being intruded, you get unnecessary or excessive punishments, receiving offensive jokes, and experiencing physical abuse.

To learn more click here for full article.

Civility is the platform for organizational success—it is absolutely necessary for an organization to reach its goals. Download our Ebook on Seeking Civility to learn more on how to create a workplace free of bullying and abusive conduct.

 

About Catherine Mattice

Catherine Mattice, MA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP is President of consulting and training firm, Civility Partners, and has been successfully providing programs in workplace bullying and building positive workplaces since 2007. Her clients include Fortune 500’s, the military, several universities and hospitals, government agencies, small businesses and nonprofits. She has published in a variety of trade magazines and has appeared several times on NPR, FOX, NBC, and ABC as an expert, as well as in USA Today, Inc Magazine, Huffington Post, Entrepreneur Magazine, and more. Catherine is Past-President of the Association for Talent Development (ATD), San Diego Chapter and teaches at National University. In his book foreword, Ken Blanchard called her book, BACK OFF! Your Kick-Ass Guide to Ending Bullying at Work, “the most comprehensive and valuable handbook on the topic.” She recently released a second book entitled, SEEKING CIVILITY: How Leaders, Managers and HR Can Create a Workplace Free of Bullying.

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