KMPH FOX 26 | Central San Joaquin Valley News SourceBullying in the Workplace

Generally, with most folks, if you make an effort you can get along. But, what if someone you work with resists any effort to have a common polite work relationship? When does nasty behavior become bullying?

Most people tend to relate bullying with childhood and believe that as adults we have matured beyond such petty expressions of manipulation. Unfortunately, bullying in the workplace is common and like childhood bullying can include name-calling, physical hostility and intimidation. The skills of adult bullies are far more sophisticated then children and can involve amplified manipulation and destructive tactics to the point where psychological and physical health can be impacted.

Every workplace has its own traditions or ambiance. In some work settings, it is an acceptable practice, even a rite of passage, to use practical jokes, offensive name-calling and unwanted physical contact. One person's playful banter is another person's bullying. The bottom line is bullying can be both subtle and obvious, is usually viewed as negative and inappropriate hostile acts directed toward another person.

• Ridiculing a person's opinions
• Spreading vicious rumors, gossip, or innuendo
• Isolating someone from information, opportunities, or outings
• Giving impossible deadlines, overwork and undue pressures
• Undermining a person by demeaning their work

People who are the objects of bullying may experience a range of ailments and or emotions. For example, feelings such as a loss of confidence, anger, frustration that can lead to sleeplessness, headaches, anxiety, low morale and reduced productivity. If you think that you are being bullied, let the perpetrator know that his/her behavior in not acceptable and ask them to stop. Document and keep a record of each incident of bullying tracking the frequency, the content and context of the situation, any witnesses to the bullying and the outcome of the specific events. Keep copies of any memos or emails received from the person responsible for the bullying. This documentation will help you establish your case. Finally and most importantly, do not try to get even or get revenge. Trying to even the score may blow up in your face leaving you looking as if you are the bully.

• Get advice from someone you trust
• Do your job and do it well
• Make sure your supervisors/bosses are aware of your work
• Keep up your work-related friendships

Companies, organizations and employers need to be concerned about bullying. It has the potential to be devastating to the targeted individual and can also impact the company's bottom line. If you are aware of bullying in the workplace and do not take actions, then you are accepting a share of the responsibility for any future abuses. This means that witnesses of bullying need to report any such behavior. Perpetrators are less likely to engage in bullying when it is known that the company does not put up with such behavior.