How to deal with bullying in the workplace

Ways to deal with bullying in the workplace

Bullying or harassment can occur in any workplace, leaving the individual feeling upset, scared or worried.Under the equality Act 2010, every individual has the right to work without bullying and feel safe in their workplace. There are many types of bullying that can occur in and individuals can misunderstand some behaviours as acceptable. Some examples of bullying or harassing behaviour include:

• spreading malicious rumours
• unfair treatment
• picking on someone
• regularly undermining a competent worker
• denying someone’s training or promotion opportunities

Employers have a duty of care for their employees, to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and has access to the same opportunities or support as others. Early Years settings are predominately a female led workforce, with the majority of childcare workers being women. This can lead to females grouping together and acting maliciously towards others. Bullying doesn’t just happen within the working environment, sometimes it can escalate to cyber bullying through social media or text messages.

What to do if you feel you are being bullied

There are many things you can do if you feel you are being bullied or discriminated against at work. First of all it is important to keep a log of any incidents that you feel you have been treated unfairly. Make sure to keep the information factually, including times, dates and witnesses. This can be used as evidence if the bullying is taken further.

Approaching the individual who is upsetting you may be a worrying thought, but sometimes the person may be unaware of how they are making you feel. If this is unachievable for you, talking to your manager may help. Your manager may be able to approach the situation and bring it to the person’s attention. This may be enough for the individuals behaviour to change.

Every workplace must have a complaints procedure in place for employees to follow if they feel they have been mistreated. This policy will outline the correct route to take in logging a formal complaint against another employee or your employer. If your complaint is in regards to your employer’s behaviour, you are usually expected to approach the next senior position such as the deputy with your complaint. When following the complaints procedure, you will usually be asked to put your complaint into writing. Once again ensure the information you provide is factual and how particular behaviours have affected you. Upon receiving your written complaint, companies are then obliged to answer your complaint within a certain time frame. Most complaints will lead to an investigation or a hearing. This will allow both parties to sit down and present their side of the story. A senior member of staff will then come to a decision based on the facts, and if discrimination is present a disciplinary will be given.

It is important that during this stressful time you ensure you have someone that you can talk to. Someone who is neutral to the situation will be able to support you, offering an honest opinion.