These signs are from “You know you’re being bullied when…” by Dr. Gary Namie, Workplace Doctor and Founder of the Workplace Bullying Institute. We are incredibly grateful for the exceptional work of Dr. Namie worldwide.
1. You attempt the obviously impossible task of doing a new job without training or time to learn new skills but that work is never good enough for the boss.
2. Surprise meetings are called by your boss with no results other than further humiliation.
3. Everything your tormenter does to you is arbitrary and capricious, working a personal agenda that undermines the employer’s legitimate business interests.
4. Others at work have been told to stop working, talking or socializing with you.
5. You constantly feel agitated and anxious, experiencing a sense of doom, waiting for bad things to happen.
6. No matter what you do, you are never left alone to do your job without interference.
7. People feel justified screaming or yelling at you in front of others, but you are punished if you scream back.
8. HR tells you that your harassment isn’t illegal, that you have to “work it out between yourselves.”
9. You finally, firmly confront your tormentor to stop the abusive conduct, you are accused of harassment.
10. You are shocked when accused of incompetence despite a history of objective excellence, typically by someone who cannot do your job.
11. Everyone — co-workers, senior bosses, HR — agrees (in person and orally) that your tormentor is a jerk, but there is nothing they will do about it (and deny saying what they said later when asked to support you).
12. Your request to transfer to an open position under another boss is mysteriously denied.
Written by Dr. Gary Namie, Founder, Workplace Bullying Institute.
