Bullies In the Workplace

                        Why is all Bullying not against the law!!!

Unfortunately not all workplace bullying is against the law. The fact that some forms of bullying is not illegal gives account to why it is still such a huge problem in the workplace. 

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So do we know we are being bullied? Some of us may thing: it is part of the job, my boss is just being strict, or maybe this is how it is supposed to be. Well lets see what bullying is:

"Workplace bullying refers to unreasonable actions of individuals (or a group) directed towards an employee (or a group of employees), which are intended to degrade, humiliate, intimidate, or undermine; or which create a risk of health or safety of employee(s). Bullying is a non-physical form of violence and this form of treatment can create emotional harm to any individual subjected to it." (Twicesafe, 2018)
              
          There is no excuse for bullying; but it makes me wonder why people choose to bully. Is it because they just do not care or do not know they are being a bullying, no matter the case it needs to stop.  I do not understand their reasoning but bullying in any form is wrong. 

           I myself have been a victim of bullying, I was not sure how to handle the way I was being treated. At first I thought maybe this is just her way of being and I chose let it go. But then it became more personal, attacking my work ethic, stating I needed to improve. When asked how, the response I received was, "I do not know, you have to figure that out for yourself. The director states your doing an amazing job but I cannot go by that, your only given them what they want". I was completely floored and baffled. I am doing my job and have had not complaints. She tried to change my title and when I refused to sign and gave her a copy of the explanation of duties under the title I was hired, she said she was going to use both titles and make me responsible for two jobs and put it in my employee file. That was just the beginning, it only got worst after that. Some people say report the person, but unless you are on the receiving end of the bullying, you really do not understand. Honestly, who wants to be in this type of situation. I was belittled and mocked, cut off not allowed to speak and I just felt helpless. I knew the only way to get out of the situation was by resigning. So what was I worried about, why didn't I report her, was I worried about; loosing my job, more aggression from the administrator. I couldn’t really answer or maybe it was a little of both. She had recently been reported by someone of a higher position and nothing changed. So what was going to change for me. Being told, "I talk to you the way I want and will continue to talk to you the way I want and no employee will tell me different", is not only bullying but down right disrespectful. I just know I was in an unhealthy environment and I had to get out. There were many other instances that I will not get into details, but you can get the idea. I remember having abdominal pains, headaches, trouble sleeping and anxiety. 

                                           "The Health Risks of Bullying for the Victim

The effects of workplace bullying don't end when you leave the office. Being a victim of bullying can cause physical and psychological health problems, including:

• Stress, Anxiety, Panic attacks, Trouble sleeping, Higher blood pressure, and Ulcers" (Verywellmind, 2018)

          After resigning, I started to feel bad about myself and started to question my decision. I became very disappointed in myself; for not reporting the administrator sooner and waiting until I was called by HR for my exit interview. According to Workplacebulling.org, victims of workplace bullying may suffer from PTSD and is considered an example of captivity. "There may be complete changes to one's concept of who they are and in their ability to cope with stressful situations". I know I had to report the person but I did no longer want to work under her administration, because matters would have only gotten worst. 

           Sometimes we have to make a decision that we don’t feel comfortable making for our own state of mind and physical well being. Leaving was the best choice I made even though at times I wished I would have stayed and fought more. We live and we learn. Our overall health is worth moving on when we are not being treated well where we are. What would you have done?

When we think of a bully in the workplace, as a women we may think about men being the bully, but not all bullies are men and for men not all bullies are men either, it can also be a women using her title to manipulate a situation for their benefit. Bullies come in all shapes and sizes.

"Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life, but define yourself." -Harvey S. Firestone

                                                        

                    Know your rights!Know who to contact! DO NOT ACCEPT BULLYING!
                                                                 
                                                                    References

 https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=YV9Vuyxg&id=D43A747F36FBE3D5A5A3FEB34DB489E6B25A4B3D&thid=OIP.YV9Vuyxg7JQG8lrs1MVTfwHaFj&mediaurl=http%3a%2f%2f3.bp.blogspot.com%2f-LConpTby_i0%2fTqnPxZNCt2I%2fAAAAAAAAAKE%2fVEfUJqPfzPM%2fs1600%2fSlide2.JPG&exph=720&expw=960&q=Bullying+Speech&simid=608017189574217139&selectedIndex=0&ajaxhist=0

https://www.forensicnotes.com/bullying-in-the-workplace
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-the-effects-of-workplace-bullying-460628
https://www.workplacebullying.org/suite101/
https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=cCCh%2b8sL&id=D2EAE48E672D527F6B5C5FAE12D0C0BCB30043D5&thid=OIP.cCCh-8sLmQ96EYDatFWWGwHaIV&mediaurl=http%3a%2f%2fwww.lighthousevisionary.com%2fwp-content%2fuploads%2f2014%2f02%2fStop_Workplace_Bullying.jpg&exph=1000&expw=889&q=stop+workplace+bullying&simid=607991582991716330&selectedIndex=1