This week we decided at A.N.Hackney&Co. to post our blog on Independence Day because you are and should always be in control of your career, independent of the company that employs you, the manager and colleagues you work with.

 Tomorrow and Friday we’ll follow-up with additional tips, again in honor of you, and resume our regular posting schedule next Monday.

 Happy Reading!

Workplace bullying is a serious matter. You should “sweat the small stuff” if you believe you’re being targeted by a manager or co-worker. Employee rights groups in many states are educating employers on its negative, even sometimes deadly impact, as well lobbying for legislation to make it illegal.

It’s really not a new phenomenon as some may have you think. Repeated acts of behavior from one person to another person or group in an effort to intimidate, offend, degrade, or humiliate is bullying. Period.

Because of laws and company policies promoting safe work environments, the act of bullying can be difficult to expose. Many aggressors or offenders are careful to bully within the lines and stay under the radar by committing inappropriate acts of behavior in  small ways over a period of time. One incident may not appear to be harmful (which could be why you or someone you know has had difficulty getting HR and management to take action). A string of incidents occurring over a period of time is a different story, and could make all the difference in exposing the aggressor and situation for what it is.

Here are 15 warning signs to help you discern if you’re being bullied. If the majority apply to you or someone you know, it’s time to document.

1. False rumors, gossip, or innuendo are being spread about you.
2. You’ve been excluded or isolated from department/company meetings and/or social events.
3. Attempts to undermine or deliberately hinder your ability to complete your work. occurs regularly (e.g. impossible deadlines are established as a way to set you up to fail)
4. Areas of responsibility you perform, coordinate, or manage, are changed or altered without cause or need.
5. Work guidelines change constantly with no notice or warning (e.g. necessary information is withheld or incorrect information is given).
6. You’re assigned unreasonable spans of work (often unfavorable duties and responsibilities) in a way that creates unnecessary and/or extreme pressure.
7. Work is taken away to the extent you feel useless, question your purpose or why the position exists.
8. Through various forms of communication (in person, email, voicemail, text), offensive jokes, slurs are made.
9. Your privacy is intruded upon through pestering, spying or even worse, stalking.
10. Conversations often result in the aggressor yelling or using profanity.
11. Your opinions are belittled, discounted and never taken under consideration.
12. You're held to tougher standards, subject to ongoing disciplinary actions.
13. Requests for training, special assignments are denied or blocked without reason.  
14. Personal belongings or work equipment are tampered with.
15. You’ve been physically threatened or attacked.

Take the first step to maintaining control and your independence. Come back tomorrow and view our next post; how to organize notes and supporting evidence.

Happy 4th and continue to make it a great week!

Anisha works exclusively with individuals providing HR Support, Done-For-You Services, and Coaching. Known as the “HR Passionista” in certain circles, her signature systems help clients transform their careers, resolve workplace conflicts (e.g. bullying, harassment), and more importantly live the life of their dreams.