Being locked out. Intimidated or verbally abused. Structurally ignored or laughed at. These are perhaps practices that you would initially expect for 4-year-olds. Bad enough:nothing could be further from the truth. In 2014, half a million employees were victims of bullying at work. According to figures from the TNO, 80,000 people are structurally bullied at work. It is high time that the taboo was lifted, and that we all did something about it.
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Bullying in the workplace is therefore very common. And that goes beyond a little teasing. Sometimes it even gets to the point where people actually sit at home. You may have heard the story of Nicole, who was a lighthouse keeper on Terschelling. She has been at home for 2 years because, as she says, she has been bullied by colleagues.
Have you ever experienced bullying at work? The vast majority of people are neither victims nor perpetrators in all of this. But they often get it. And what do you do then? How do you react if you notice that one of your colleagues is being systematically bullied? Read more about bullying at work here. How you can deal with that, and what you can do about it.
We did say that 'the spectators' are neither victim nor perpetrator. But actually bullying only knows victims. It is a serious problem that can have serious consequences. People who are bullied lose pleasure in their work. And the confidence in themselves. But actually everyone in the company is the victim. Even the one who bullies. The lack of respect and trust will lead to a sickening work atmosphere.
However, bullying in the workplace can sometimes go on for a very long time. It is often difficult, especially for adults, to indicate that they are being bullied. There is a lot of shame, but also fear. What if your supervisor is the one who bullies? Then it often becomes even more difficult for others to open their mouths. Research shows that only 16% of colleagues stand up for someone who is being bullied. While it really does something to them! In short:how do we deal with bullying at work?
Whether you're being bullied or see it happening, the most important thing is to talk about it. Discuss what you have experienced with others. Don't think that everything will go well. Bullying isn't always rude. Often the bullying is very subtle. But that doesn't make it any less bad. If you are being bullied yourself, remember that you are not alone. And that you are not the one who should be ashamed. Or the one who should leave. You are not the one who needs to be corrected. Because you're not doing anything wrong. It is the easiest way for the bullies to keep silent about what you are going through. But you may suffer from it for years to come. Even if it is difficult:open your mouth.
Are you not being bullied yourself, but do you see bullying at work happening around you? Even then, it is very important to – cautiously – start the conversation. People who are bullied often feel alone. While it is close to your heart, but for other reasons it is difficult for you to open your mouth. It will probably do your bullied coworker a lot of good to hear that he or she is being understood. And maybe you can continue to look for a solution together? An important part of this is looking for the right confidant.
Being bullied often makes you feel like you're on your own. But no matter how lonely you feel, you're not. There are colleagues who sympathize with you – even if they may not make themselves heard. If you don't feel that you can turn to your colleagues or direct supervisor, there is always the management or employers' council. You can also report bullying at work to a company doctor or P&O employees. Of course, this also applies if you are not the one who is being bullied.
If you want to talk to someone about bullying at work, you should always have that option. If you prefer to do this with an external person, you can also request a meeting with the company doctor. Or raise the issue with the union.
Do you still feel like you have nowhere to go? But do you feel the need to talk to someone about bullying at work? Then you can call Stichting Kor Relatie. Completely anonymous, if you wish. And they can now be reached via Whatsapp, if it is easier for you to communicate that way. Their main message:talk. Don't keep it to yourself like many people do. Because in the end you will become a double victim.
