Workplace bullying is something that sadly happens no matter what your profession is and it's much more common than people realise, says person-centred counsellor Hannah Bolton.

But how do you recognise workplace bullying?

One question is do you find the environment toxic in nature and have you been subject to rumours being made about you?

Do you find yourself isolated from others or feel you don’t fit in? Have you ever been yelled at in front of other people about your job performance?

Has anyone ever stolen credit for the work you have done and do you feel that people are gossiping about you behind your back?

Do you feel you are constantly criticised for work that you have done and has this been fed back to you in an inappropriate way?

Do you feel that unreasonable demands are being asked of you?Have you taken concerns to management, and they haven’t done anything about them?

All these are signs of workplace bullying says Hannah Bolton. "You might find yourself relating to one or all of these. It's not always recognised for what it is and even when it is people are often afraid to speak out," she said.

"This may be because you have taken concerns to management before and have felt fobbed off or it was turned around on you and focused on your failings, or you may be worried about the backlash after you have said something?

"You may think if I come forward, will I be listened too, and will others be accountable for their behaviour?"

I guess the thing to remember is we can’t control other people’s actions - we can only control ours, says Hannah.

"We can control how we communicate, respond and react to things. You can take some power back by looking into your local policies and procedures in relation to bullying and harassment.

"You can keep records of emails sent to you, writing evidence of conversations taken place and challenge people about their opinions.

"You can challenge in a gentle way for example, ‘what did you mean by that just so I understand, ‘or writing an email to someone stating, ‘following on from our conversation this was discussed,’ so there is a written trail of conversations taken place."

Workplaces should have a zero-tolerance policy, says Hannah, and your feelings are valid.

If you feel you can’t talk to work about your situation, please feel free to contact me and I can give you the support you need.

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

You can contact Hannah by visiting her website, calling her on: 07768198184, or emailing: [email protected]. 

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