BULLYING IN THE WORKPLACE
Sometimes when we think about bullying, we think that it only happens in schools. We think of a large muscle bound boy named Biff picking on a nerdy student named Urkel. We don’t think about it happening in the work place, but often times it does. Wherever people are gathered, there is a chance for bullying to occur. We think bullying means someone beating us up, but we don’t think about a person spreading gossip about us.
Bully - A person who is habitually cruel or overbearing, especially to smaller or weaker people; to treat in an overbearing or intimidating manner.
Gossip - Rumor or talk of a personal, sensational, or intimate nature; A person who habitually spreads intimate or private rumors or facts.
WHAT TO DO
Paper Trail
– In law enforcement the best piece of
evidence is a paper trail. Keeping records of the incident, how often it took place, and what steps you took. Make sure that you write down Time, Date, and Location of each incident and any witnesses
you may have.
Say No
– It is important to tell the person or persons to stop their actions. Write down the date, time,
location and any witnesses you may have for your paper trail. Sometimes you may feel
uncomfortable going directly to the person or persons. It is not OK for you to work in a hostile work environment. After notifying the person or persons to stop their actions it is important to talk
to administration about the situation as well.
Report - Most work places have anti-harassment policies in place. Notify your supervisor of the problem. If harassment is coming from supervisor, notify owner or top administrator
of
the situation. Keep originals but give copies of your paper tail. Write down the time and date you notified top administration and keep it. This helps with having a paper trail and often
stops the harassment or bullying right away.
Know Your Rights – If problem continues and you feel
the owner or top administration did not take action or enough action, notify Law Enforcement. Review the criminal codes. Knowledge is Power.
Civil Law
Suit – Any time criminal action is done, it opens the door
for a civil suit as well. Notify your work place, person or persons of a potential law suit if actions continue. Contact a
local attorney for more details of your options in a civil suit.
Remember the paper trail.
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