Bullying in the Workplace


How can Workplace Bullying Affect an Individual?
People who are victims of workplace abuse may experience a range of effects. These reactions include:
shock
• anger
• total frustration
• anxiety
• increased sense of vulnerability
• inability to sleep
• loss of appetite
• panic attacks about going to work
• headaches, pains
• inability to concentrate
• low morale and productivity


If you feel you have been bullied, you need to take action both personally and professionally. If you have a Dispute Resolution Program, Ombudsman, or Human Resource professional, you need to take care of yourself. The consequences can be devastating. Contact your Employee Assistance Program as a first step for emotional support.

What to Do
Always keep a daily journal to log what happened, the time it occurred and if there were any witnesses. Include as many details as possible about each incident. This information will be highly beneficial if the situation warrants outside intervention. Be sure to keep the journal private from other employees and place it in a safe location. Keep hardcopies (at your home) of any letters, memos, emails or faxes received by the employer or manager.

It is very important to never retaliate to a given situation as you may end up looking like the perpetrator. Remaining calm and appearing as though everything is fine is a very difficult yet necessary task and will take its toll. Be sure to have a support system of family and friends. Talking will release some of the stress. Finding safe methods of stress reduction is crucial to maintain good physical and mental health.

If you feel you are being abused, you need to protect yourself. Supervisors, managers or bosses are not mandated to be “nice” to their employees, but this does not mean they can abuse you. Call for help today.

Emotional Abuse Hurts Credit: Photo Courtesy of © Kenn W. Kiser article: Emotional Abuse in the Workplace

Recent Blogs

Dr. Mike Klaybor

Dr. Mike Klaybor

Dr. Mike Klaybor brings thirty years of experience in practicing counseling psychology with individuals and couples. His approach is cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT. Specific specialties include; anxiety and stress management, chronic pain & chronic illness management, depression, substance abuse evaluations, employee assistance and executive coaching for workplace performance and leadership.