You are being bullied!

Poonamjot Kaur Sidhu

Anyone who has spent some time in a corporate set up will vouch for the fact bullying is a bitter reality of the workplace ecosystem.  While the dictionary meaning of bullying is, 'an act of using superior strength or influence as a way of intimidating someone so as to force them to do something,' several more behaviours can also be classified as bullying. It is important to be sensitized about bullying if one has to avoid the negative impact of this behaviour. Understanding workplace bullying: In a number of instances people are not able to gauge that they are being bullied or reprimanded.  If you are being consistently and intentionally being put down publically even on the slightest of pretexts,  so much so that you feel humiliated, intimidated, socially isolated and have started experiencing health issues, then it means that you are being bullied and not reprimanded. Workplace bullying is not necessarily done by your superior; your co-worker and in some instances by your subordinate can also be the bullies. It can be verbal, physical, written or digital in nature.

Some frequent instance, which an individual may conclude as bullying are:

• There is inconsistency between the treatment being bestowed upon your co-workers and you.
• All your inputs and efforts at work are consistently disregarded and criticised.
• You have no autonomy, even for mundane decisions, if taken they are extensively questioned and challenged.
• You feel alienated socially at your workplace for no apparent reason.
• You have been verbally abused and feel that people are ganging up against you.
• You assignments and goals are altered without your consent. 

Bullying in a nutshell is deliberate, constant and is done systematically. It is very necessary to recognise that you are being bullied and not merely pulled up for results so that you do not suffer silently as there are legal provisions against it which can be sought.

Stand up for yourself

If you are certain that you are being bullied then some measures that can be taken by you are:

• Confront the bully:  You should not be intimidated even if the individual happens to be your superior. Get your facts straight and seek a logical explanation. This will send across the message that you no longer tend to take the abuse lying down.
• Document: Start keeping a factual journal of the instances of bullying that you have experienced. This will enable you to build a fact-based case if need be. Document your interactions and start keeping copies of memos, emails or any letters that can serve as proofs.  
• Report: Report the matter — first internally and  if unresolved then you have a right to seek external legal help. Try not to retaliate like your bully. 

Though not directly, bullying in aspect of mental agony caused at workplace is considered unlawful in India. There are legal interventions to fight this menace and should be sought if needed. Workplace bullying by no means should be accepted as it leaves long-term mental scars and impacts not just the individual but all stakeholders.