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cv · Posted: Thu May 11, 2006 11:41 am Post subject: Bullying at the work place.

It is true that young professionals feel intimidated at work – especially freshers – but that is not always really the meaning of bullying. What you describe in your question looks more like being exposed to condescending senior colleagues rather than bullying colleagues. You will have to understand here that freshers/ young professionals are seen as inexperienced and over-anxious-to-deliver professionals; and in the process of making a good impression many young professionals are just that. With time and assurance from the team, the young professionals settle and do not feel the necessity to “prove themselves” all the time.

However, many of the seniors do no have the time or inclination of allowing that adjustment phase and expect you to jump right at the level of their understanding and performance. When the freshers are unable to cope, the seniors behave condescendingly with them. This is when you feel that you are overlooked, disrespected, etc.

In order to command the respect of your seniors and colleagues, you will need to behave in a positive and polite manner whether it is for reinforcing your point of view, or making your voice heard for suggestions. Ignore the condescending nature, and explain your stand or opinion in a calm and clear manner. This will definitely make you stand out as a mature person and soon you will be part of the team.

What you should not do is:

Whine around in the office that nobody listens to you Gossip with other office colleagues about the person(s) who bother you
Clam up and refuse to interact or give your opinions any more
Complain about the behavior to all and sundry
Jump to conclusions that people do not like you
Leave the job

1.What constitutes as being bullied? What behavior is considered bullying at work? (email, in person, over the phone)

Bullying is any type of abuse that results in a person feel singled out negatively; the feelings includes humiliation, insult and passed as a scapegoat. Bullying is sometimes very subtle and private; as well as sometimes public and forceful. In both instances however, the person bullied would be unable to really pinpoint the issue since mostly it will be a form or other of fault-finding.

2.Why do you think young workers are considered an easy target? Who are statistically most likely to be bullied (a profile)?

Young people are considered as apprentices in the initial one year of their work and this is the time when they have to suffer the initiation process. This initiation process is when the seniors like to impose on the juniors because they know they are vulnerable, and eager to make an impression and advance their career. There is a deep ingrained culture all over the world to pile on, on the new recruit because they usually are afraid to say ‘no’ to any task that comes their way during their probation time (anything from 3 months to one year).

The most likely to be bullied person (profile) is the one who by nature takes it without protest. Introvert people who do not express much their feelings and displeasure. This is why in order to prevent and/or combat bullying the first thing is to learn to say ‘no’ firmly and politely to things you do not feel are your responsibility. The second important thing is to confront the bully explaining that his/her behavior makes you very uncomfortable.

3.What action should you take to remain professional but let that person know its unacceptable treatment?

The most important aspect – as mentioned above – is the ability to say ‘no’ at the right time, in the right tone and protocol.

The second important thing is to confront the bully. Bullies are mostly people who thrive on their victims’ discomfort and fear. They love to see the power they have on their victims and keep checking the strength of their power by increasing the pressure gradually. Hence, it is imperative that you say ‘STOP’ loud and clear directly.

Many times that is all that is needed to end the chapter. However, if the bullying persists talk to a trusted colleague or superior and seek that they intervene by talking on your behalf informally. In the meantime, start keeping exact records of each bullying incident making sure you not down the date, time, situation and whether anyone was present there,

If it still does not work, you may go to your personnel head and/or your superior and discuss the situation. There are possibilities that they will call and discuss with the person in question and put an end to the bullying. In event your immediate superior is the bully, then you go to his superior and ask him to intervene tactfully.

Last, you make a formal complaint to the superiors and request a transfer of either the person or yourself in event that the problem is not solved. When you do this, it will be good if you have strong documentation to back your allegation, as it is easier to prove that you mis-constructed, otherwise.

4.How often should it occur before taking further action?

If you find it happen even once - that is the time to take action. There is saying, “Crime expands with the ability to put up with it.” This is exactly happens if you do not put your foot right on day 1 when you feel bullied.

5.What are some tips young professionals should be concerned with regards to being bullied?

The steps that a young professional should take are:

Young professionals should be first of all clear between the two similar but totally different actions, i.e. (i) bullying, (ii) condescending behavior
When you are sure you feel bullied, inform the bully about the feelings you are getting from his/her behavior
Inform close friends and start keeping track of all incidents (you write down) where you feel you are bullied
Talk to the union representative if there is any
If there is a union – join it and ask the advisor there to talk with the bully
Formally complain to the higher authority, copying the complaint to the highest management

What they should not do:

Get depressed and reduce productivity at office
Avoid the bully out of fear
Agree with him/her even when you do not want to
Consider it unstoppable
Be persistent and firm when you ask to stop the said treatment

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