When it comes to an ideal workplace, it should be a safe and happy environment. Your workplace should promote growth, positive values, and productivity. It should never be a breeding ground for toxicity, humiliation, and bullying.
However, there will be times that you encounter people in your workplace who will threaten and mistreat you. It is not high school anymore, but this kind of person is still lurking around, waiting for their next victim.
Workplace bullying is a serious issue that can have significant negative impacts on employees, organizations, and society as a whole.
It is important for employees to be aware of the signs of workplace bullying and to know how to respond if they are being bullied or if they witness bullying in their workplace.
Employers also have a responsibility to create a safe and respectful work environment and to take steps to prevent and address bullying behavior.
Types of Workplace Bullies
Workplace bullying refers to repeated, unwanted, and harmful behavior that is directed towards an employee or group of employees. It can take many forms, including verbal or written abuse, threats, intimidation, isolation, or exclusion.
Workplace bullying can have serious negative impacts on the well-being, health, and career prospects of the victim and can create a toxic and unpleasant work environment for all employees.
There are several types of workplace bullies that you should be aware of. These can include:
Jealous Colleague
A jealous colleague is someone who feels threatened or resentful by the accomplishments, successes, or perceived advantages of their colleagues.
They may try to undermine their coworkers’ achievements or belittle their contributions in order to make themselves feel superior or to advance their own career goals.
Jealous coworkers may also try to sabotage their colleagues’ work or spread rumors or gossip in order to bring them down.
Perfectionist Employee
While being a perfectionist can have some benefits, such as producing high-quality work and setting a good example for others, it can also have some drawbacks.
Perfectionist employees may be overly critical of their own work and may struggle to let go of projects or move on to new tasks if they feel that their work is not perfect.
They may also be overly critical of the work of others or struggle to delegate tasks due to a need for control. They expect others to be as excellent and diligent as them.
Two-faced Co-worker
Two-faced colleagues can be difficult to work with, as it can be difficult to know what to expect from them or to trust them.
They may be prone to gossiping, spreading rumors, or manipulating others in order to further their own interests or protect their own reputation.
They may present a friendly, helpful, and supportive demeanor to some people while being secretive, dishonest, or undermining towards others.
Pessimistic Colleague
A pessimistic co-worker is someone who tends to see the negative aspects of situations and to expect the worst outcomes. They may frequently express doubt, skepticism, or frustration and may have a negative attitude towards work or towards their colleagues.
Working with a pessimistic co-worker can be challenging, as their negativity can be contagious and affect the overall mood and productivity of the team.
Managing Workplace Bullying
Dealing with workplace bullying can be difficult and stressful, but there are steps that you can take to protect yourself and to address the situation. It also negatively affects your mental health. Here are some things you can try:
Document the behavior.
Keep a record of the bullying behavior that you experience or witness, including dates, times, and details of what happened. This can be helpful in demonstrating the pattern of behavior and in supporting any formal complaint that you may make.
Talk to the bully.
In some cases, the bully may not be aware of the impact of their behavior and may be willing to change if confronted. Choose a time when you are calm and collected, and try to have a conversation with the bully about how their behavior is affecting you and the team.
Seek support.
Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or counselor about what you are going through. It can be helpful to have someone to confide in and to support you through this difficult time.
Use your company’s resources.
Most companies have policies in place to address bullying and other forms of workplace harassment. If you feel safe and comfortable doing so, you may want to report the bullying to your supervisor, the HR department, or a company hotline.
Consider legal action.
If the bullying is severe or ongoing and your employer is not taking action to address it, you may want to consider seeking legal advice about your options.
Remember that you have the right to a safe and respectful work environment, and that it is not your fault if you are being bullied. Don’t be afraid to speak up and seek help if you are being mistreated in the workplace.
If you are a victim of bullying and it has resulted in depression and anxiety, visit Mindshift Psychological Services. We offer therapy and counseling sessions for people who struggle with depression, anxiety, and trauma. Visit our website to learn more about us. You may also contact us at (714) 584-9700 to schedule an appointment.
