Author: David Lavi, Esq.
May 18, 2023
How to Know Whether Your Employer is Bullying You
Identifying whether you are being bullied by your employer can be challenging, as workplace dynamics and behaviors can vary. However, there are certain signs that may indicate bullying. Here are some common indicators to consider:
Persistent Verbal or Non-Verbal Abuse: Bullying often involves repeated instances of belittling, derogatory, or offensive comments, whether they are spoken or conveyed through gestures, facial expressions, or body language. It may involve personal attacks, insults, or derogatory remarks about your work performance or personal characteristics.
Excessive Criticism: If your employer consistently criticizes your work without providing constructive feedback or guidance, or if the criticism is disproportionate to the situation, it may be a form of bullying. This can be manifested through constant nitpicking, unfairly blaming you for errors, or setting unrealistic expectations.
Undermining or Sabotaging Behavior: Bullying may involve actions aimed at undermining your credibility, reputation, or professional growth. This could include withholding crucial information, deliberately excluding you from meetings or projects, or spreading rumors or false information about you.
Unreasonable Workload or Expectations: If your employer consistently assigns an overwhelming workload that is impossible to manage within regular working hours or expects you to achieve unrealistic targets without adequate support, it can create a hostile work environment and be a form of bullying.
Isolation and Exclusion: Bullying may involve isolating you from the team or excluding you from important discussions, decisions, or social interactions. This can make you feel excluded, marginalized, and unsupported in the workplace.
Threats, Intimidation, or Abuse of Power: Bullying may involve the misuse of authority or position to intimidate, threaten, or harass you. This can include yelling, screaming, or making threats that affect your job security or professional standing.
It’s important to remember that this is not an exhaustive list, and every situation is unique. If you suspect that you are being bullied, consider documenting specific incidents, noting dates, times, and descriptions of the behaviors. It can also be helpful to review your company’s policies and procedures regarding workplace harassment or bullying to understand your rights and available channels for reporting such behavior.
Contact Us Today
If you believe you are being bullied, it is advisable to seek guidance from a trusted supervisor, human resources department, or contact our attorneys at E&L, who can provide advice tailored to your situation and help you understand your options for addressing the issue.
