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What is Bullying in the Workplace?
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Workplace bullying can feel like a dark cloud over your working day, leaving you drained, anxious, or even questioning your abilities. It’s more common than you might think—according to a recent study by the CIPD, almost 30% of UK workers have experienced some form of bullying at work.
If you’re facing repeated, unwanted behaviour that makes you feel undermined or unsafe, it’s important to recognise the signs and know you’re not alone.
Fortunately, in this article, we’ll explore what workplace bullying looks like and how you can address it to protect your mental health and wellbeing.
What is Bullying?
Bullying is when someone repeatedly treats you in a way that harms your mental or physical health. It’s often about power—someone using their position or influence to hurt, intimidate, or control you. This can happen in many ways. Some are loud, like shouting, insulting, or threatening you. Others are quieter, like spreading rumours, leaving you out of things, or criticising your work unfairly.
Bullying usually involves a pattern of harmful behaviour. It might not seem like much at first, but over time, it can take a serious toll. Even if the person doesn’t mean to cause harm, the effects can still be huge—stress, anxiety, and even depression.
It’s important to know that occasional arguments or fair feedback aren’t bullying. The difference lies in whether the behaviour is meant to belittle, isolate, or harm you—or if that’s the result, even if it wasn’t intentional.
What Does Bullying in the Workplace Look Like?
In the workplace, bullying can show up in many ways. Sometimes it’s verbal and easy to spot—like being shouted at, insulted, or criticised in front of others. This kind of behaviour can crush your confidence and make you dread going to work.
But bullying isn’t always obvious. It can also be non-verbal, like being left out of meetings, ignored in group discussions, or excluded from work projects. Over time, this kind of treatment can make you feel isolated and unwelcome.
Unfair workloads are another common tactic. Maybe you’re given impossible deadlines or piles of work no one could realistically manage. Or you’re set up to fail with tasks that lack the resources or information you need. These situations can leave you feeling helpless and frustrated.
Sometimes, bullying in the workplace manifests as micromanagement. If your every move is questioned or criticised, it’s easy to lose confidence in your abilities. This constant scrutiny creates an environment where fear replaces trust.
Even in remote work, cyberbullying can happen. Offensive emails, rude comments in group chats, or being excluded from virtual meetings are all ways it can show up. These actions can feel just as personal and harmful as face-to-face interactions.
Understanding these behaviours helps you recognise when something isn’t right. Bullying can make the workplace feel hostile and lonely, but you don’t have to face it alone.
How Bullying Affects Mental Health and Wellbeing
Bullying in the workplace doesn’t just stay at work. It can take a serious toll on your mental and physical health, making each day feel harder than the last.
Here’s how bullying can impact you:
- Stress and Anxiety: Being bullied makes you feel unsafe and unsupported. Over time, this stress can build up, affecting how you feel at work and at home.
- Low Self-Esteem: Constant criticism or being left out can make you doubt yourself. You might start feeling like you’re not good enough, even when that’s not true.
- Depression: If the bullying goes on for a long time, it can leave you feeling hopeless or unmotivated. It’s hard to stay positive when you’re constantly being put down.
- Physical Health Problems: Stress doesn’t just affect your mind; it affects your body too. You might notice headaches, trouble sleeping, or feeling tired all the time. In some cases, it can even lead to more serious health issues like high blood pressure.
- Loss of Focus and Motivation: Bullying makes it hard to stay engaged at work. You might struggle to focus, lose interest in your tasks, or feel like pulling back altogether.
- Loneliness: Bullying often isolates you from others. Colleagues might avoid getting involved, leaving you feeling alone and unsupported.
- Burnout: The pressure and stress can build to the point where you feel completely drained. This can lead to missing work or even deciding to leave your job.
If you’re dealing with bullying, it’s important to know these effects are not your fault. There are ways to get support and protect your wellbeing.
How to Get Support if You are Experiencing Bullying at Work
If you’re dealing with bullying at work, getting support is essential. Taking steps to address the problem can help protect your wellbeing and make a big difference. Here are some simple, practical actions you can take:
Keep a Record: Write down what’s happening. Note the dates, times, places, and details of each incident. Include the names of any witnesses. Having this record can be helpful if you need to take formal action.
Talk to Someone You Trust: Share your experience with a friend, family member, or a trusted colleague. Talking about it can help you feel less alone and give you a clearer perspective.
Check Workplace Policies: Look at your company’s policies on bullying or harassment. This will show you the steps you can take and who to contact. If your workplace has an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), it can be a good resource for confidential support and advice.
Speak to the Bully (If Safe): If you feel safe, consider talking directly to the person. Let them know how their behaviour is affecting you and ask them to stop. Sometimes, this can resolve the issue.
Report It: Speak to your manager or HR team about what’s happening. Share your evidence and explain how the bullying is impacting your work and mental health. It’s their job to look into and address these concerns.
Seek Outside Help: If things don’t improve, contact external organisations like ACAS or Citizens Advice. They can guide you on your rights and what to do next.
Look After Yourself: Your wellbeing matters. Take time for activities that help you relax and recharge, like exercising, meditating, or enjoying a hobby. Eating well and getting enough sleep can also make a big difference in how you cope.
Remember, asking for help is a strong and positive step. You deserve to feel safe and respected at work, and there’s support available to help you move forward.
What To Do if You are Being Bullied by a Manager
Being bullied by a manager can feel overwhelming, especially because of the power imbalance. But you don’t have to face it alone. Here’s how you can handle the situation and protect yourself:
- Recognise the Behaviour: Pay attention to what’s happening. Is your manager shouting, intimidating, or making unreasonable demands? Are they undermining your work? Naming the behaviour is the first step to addressing it.
- Keep a Record: Write down the details of each incident. Note what was said or done, when it happened, and how it affected you. This can be vital if you need to report the bullying later.
- Speak to HR or a Senior Manager: If confronting your manager isn’t possible, take your concerns to HR or another leader in the company. Share your documented evidence and explain how the behaviour is affecting your work and wellbeing.
- Get External Advice: If the issue isn’t resolved within your workplace, reach out to organisations like ACAS or Citizens Advice. They can explain your rights and help you decide on your next steps.
Facing bullying from a manager is tough, but you don’t have to handle it on your own. Taking action protects not only your mental health but also your professional future.
Preventing Bullying in the Workplace
Creating a safe and respectful workplace is essential for everyone to feel valued and do their best. Taking simple, proactive steps can help stop bullying before it starts.
- Set Clear Rules: Companies need straightforward anti-bullying policies. These should explain what bullying looks like, how to report it, and what happens next. Regular reminders and training help everyone understand what’s expected.
- Provide Training for Everyone: Teaching staff how to recognise and handle bullying is important. This training should include managers so the approach is consistent across the team. When everyone knows what to watch for, it’s easier to prevent problems.
- Encourage Open Communication: Employees need to feel safe speaking up. Tools like anonymous surveys, feedback sessions, or approachable leaders can make it easier for people to raise concerns without fear.
- Lead by Example: Managers play a big role in setting the tone. When leaders treat everyone with respect and act quickly when bullying happens, it shows the company takes the issue seriously.
- Keep an Eye on the Workplace: Regular check-ins, surveys, or open discussions can help spot problems early. Fixing small issues quickly stops them from turning into bigger problems.
When companies focus on these steps, they create a workplace where people feel safe, valued, and respected. It’s not just about avoiding bullying; it’s about making work a positive place for all.
A Safe Workplace Starts With Action
Whether you’re an employee or a leader, your actions matter. Speaking up, addressing issues early, and treating others with kindness all contribute to a healthier, more positive workplace. Together, we can create spaces where people thrive, free from the damaging effects of bullying.
Remember, a respectful workplace isn’t just good for individuals—it’s good for everyone.
Originally published: 09/01/2025
Last updated: 09/01/2025