Bullying can take many forms. Generally, bullying is any behavior that is unwelcome, offensive, inequitable, unsolicited or objectionable. Bullying can be physical, psychological, verbal, sexual or racial. Below are a few types of workplace bullying:
Threats to Personal Standing
- Spreading rumors, hurtful gossip or innuendo
- Yelling, name-calling, mocking, insulting or ridiculing
- Unwanted physical contact or physical gestures that intimidate or threaten
- Invalid or baseless criticism
- Accusatory or threatening statements
- Faultfinding or unwarranted blaming
- Displaying offensive photos or objects
- Temper tantrums, mood swings, shouting
- Humiliation, public reprimands or obscene language
- Ganging up against a co-worker
- Aggressive posturing
Threats to Professional Standing
- Denying access to resources, assignments, projects or opportunities
- Stealing or taking credit for another’s work
- Interfering with someone’s work performance
- Failing to return phone calls or messages
- Little or no feedback on performance
- Withholding information essential to perform one’s job
- Toxic e-mails
- Flaunting status
Control or Manipulation Tactics
- Failing to invite someone to an essential meeting
- Threatening job loss
- Excessive monitoring or micro-management
- Assigning tasks that cannot be completed by deadline; setting unrealistic goals
- Interference or sabotage
- Ignoring a coworker with the intent to harm or control.
- Treating a worker differently than peers and co-workers
- Ostracism, isolation, dissociation or exclusion from others
- Refusal to take responsibility
- Excessive, impossible, conflicting work expectations or demands
- Inequitable and harsh treatment
- Other objectionable behavior designed to torment, isolate, pester or abuse
For additional information on bullying, check out the following resources:
- Bullying Facts and Figures
- Bullying Stories
- Bullying legislation
- Workplace Harassment
- Tips for Combating Bullying and Workplace Harassment
