What is bullying? – The most important characteristics
Bullying is not a one-time conflict, but a systematic and repeated form of exclusion or degradation. It often happens over long periods of time and often pursues the goal of weakening the person concerned or pushing them out of the team.
Typical forms of bullying in the workplace
- Repeated exposure or devaluation in front of others
- Sabotage of work processes or results
- Exclusion from team processes or meetings
- Personal attacks, rumors or subliminal threats
- Ignoring contributions or targeted isolation
How do I know if I'm being bullied?
Often it is a creeping process. Some of those affected question themselves for a long time before they recognize the behavior of others as bullying. Pay attention to the following warning signs:
- Do you regularly feel treated unfairly? or humiliated?
- Do you feel like you constantly have to justify yourself?
- Are you ignored when it comes to important information or decisions?
- Are you afraid to go to work or sleep badly because of work?
- Are you increasingly doubting your worth or your abilities?
If you have such experiences, it is important to take them seriously.
What to do about bullying? – Your options for action
Document the incidents
Keep a bullying diary with the date, time, people involved and a brief description of what happened. This is important to prove a pattern.
Seek conversation:
If possible, first speak factually with the person concerned or contact a person of trust in the company (e.g. human resources department or works council).
Get support:
External advice centers, coaches or mediators can help you analyze the situation and clarify your options together with everyone involved.
Know your rights:
Bullying can constitute a violation of personal rights. In serious cases, legal action under labor law or even criminal law can be taken against perpetrators.
Mediation can help
In deadlocked situations, mediation in the company can be a constructive way to address bullying and find solutions. This is not about blaming, but about creating a space for clarification, understanding and change through neutral moderation. It is important to remember that bullying sometimes creeps in and is not always done consciously. Therefore, it is important to find out where it comes from? What is the cause and, most importantly, what can everyone involved do differently in the future?
Mediation can help with these 5 points
- If there is still room for communication and change
- several parties are involved in the dynamic
- a new way of dealing with each other is to be found
- the goal is to continue the cooperation or
- There is a general willingness to meet each other
Conclusion: You are not alone – get help
Workplace bullying is not a personal failure, but a serious problem that must be tackled systematically. No one should feel powerless, isolated or intimidated in their professional environment. If you recognize yourself in this article, it is important not to remain silent. You have the right to a respectful and healthy workplace.
Don’t be afraid to seek help – whether through legal advice, psychosocial support or professional mediation.
