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In every workplace, there should be an expectation of professionalism, respect, and dignity. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Bullying and harassment can rear their ugly heads in any environment, leaving employees feeling vulnerable, anxious, and demoralised.
However, it’s crucial to remember that you have rights and options when faced with such behaviour. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to stand up to bullying and harassment at work, tailored for employees in the UK.
How To Recognise Bullying and Harassment
It’s crucial to know the signs of bullying and harassment to be able to address them effectively. Here’s a more detailed exploration of the various forms these behaviours can take.
Verbal Abuse
Verbal abuse encompasses insults, derogatory remarks, shouting, belittling comments, or threats directed at an individual. It can occur publicly or privately and may aim to undermine the victim’s confidence and self-worth.
Intimidation
Intimidation involves behaviour intended to instil fear or coerce others into compliance. This can include aggressive body language, invading personal space, or making threats of physical harm or retaliation.
Exclusion
Exclusion occurs when individuals are deliberately excluded from work-related activities, meetings, or social events without justification. This can create feelings of isolation and undermine a person’s sense of belonging within the workplace.
Offensive Jokes or Remarks
Making offensive jokes or remarks based on protected characteristics such as race, gender, sexuality, religion, or disability is a form of harassment. This behaviour perpetuates stereotypes and can create a hostile work environment for those targeted.
Unwanted Physical Contact
Unwanted physical contact, such as touching, grabbing, or inappropriate gestures, is a clear violation of personal boundaries and constitutes harassment. It can leave victims feeling violated, uncomfortable, and unsafe in their workplace.
Cyberbullying
With the rise of technology, bullying and harassment can also occur online or through digital communication channels. This includes sending abusive email messages or posting derogatory comments on social media platforms, causing distress and embarrassment to the recipient.
Gaslighting
Gaslighting is a manipulative tactic used to make someone doubt their own perceptions, memories, or sanity. This can involve denying or minimising the impact of the bully’s behaviour, making the victim feel like they are overreacting or imagining things.
Microaggressions
Microaggressions are subtle, often unintentional actions or comments that convey discriminatory attitudes towards marginalised groups. These can include assumptions based on stereotypes, dismissive behaviour, or subtle forms of exclusion that contribute to a hostile work environment.
Systemic Discrimination
While individual acts of bullying and harassment are harmful, systemic discrimination refers to policies, practices, or cultures within an organisation that perpetuate inequality and disadvantage certain groups of people. This can include biased hiring practices, unequal pay, or limited opportunities for career advancement based on protected characteristics.
Action To Take If You’re Being Bulled or Harrased in the Workplace
In the UK, employees are protected against bullying and harassment in the workplace by the Equality Act 2010. This legislation makes it illegal to discriminate against or harass individuals based on protected characteristics such as age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
Keep Records
If you’re experiencing bullying or harassment at work, it’s essential to document each incident. Keep a detailed record of what happened, when it occurred, who was involved, and any witnesses present. This information can be invaluable if you decide to take further action.
Speak Up
If you feel safe and comfortable doing so, address the issue directly with the person responsible for the bullying or harassment. Clearly and calmly explain how their behaviour impacts you and ask them to stop. Sometimes, individuals may not realise the harm they are causing and may be willing to change their behaviour once made aware of it.
Utilise Internal Procedures
Most workplaces have policies and procedures in place for dealing with bullying and harassment. Familiarise yourself with your company’s policies and follow the appropriate channels for reporting incidents. This may involve speaking to your manager, HR department, or a designated harassment officer.
Seek Support
Dealing with bullying and harassment can be emotionally draining, so it’s essential to seek support from friends, family, or colleagues you trust. You may also want to consider speaking to a counsellor or therapist who can provide guidance and coping strategies.
Explore External Options
If the issue persists despite your efforts to address it internally, you may need to explore external options. This could involve contacting your trade union representative, seeking legal advice from a solicitor specialising in employment law, or filing a complaint with the Employment Tribunal.
Know Your Rights
Under the Equality Act 2010, you have the right to be protected from bullying and harassment in the workplace. If you believe your employer has failed to address the issue adequately or has retaliated against you for raising concerns, you may have grounds for a claim of constructive dismissal or discrimination.
Conclusion
Bullying and harassment have no place in the modern workplace. As an employee in the UK, you have legal protections and a range of options for standing up to such behaviour. By knowing your rights, recognising the signs of bullying and harassment, and taking proactive steps to address the issue, you can help create a safer and more respectful working environment for yourself and your colleagues.
Remember, you’re not alone, and there is support available to help you through this challenging situation.