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Yahoo has a new article about workplace bullying: http://news.yahoo.com/s/space/20061031/sc_space/studyofficebulliescreateworkplacewarzone (Link courtesy of ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
fiona64.)
One of the salient paragraphs is this:
But, like with so many others, it offers no solutions to the problem. Hell, the only one I know of is leaving.
Complaining usually doesn't work, because it's very hard to explain why criticism from one person is normal, but another person is vicious, constant, and abusive. It's not just what they say and do, it's how. The stress of being constantly under a microscope, constantly judged harshly, constantly criticized, constantly undercut and second-guessed, is horrific. Dealing with a passive-aggressive bully and management that plays along is degrading.
As I told one woman after a degrading, bully filled temp assignment: "I can probably make more money signing on a streetcorner, and it wouldn't be as bad for my health."
If you're experiencing bullying and stress-related illness, talk with your doctor. Document what effect the job is having on you, both with your doctor and in your own papers. It may come in useful if you have to apply for stress-related disability from it. I wish I had 20 years ago.
I'm glad that my current job is not like that. It has its ups and downs, but I don't have to deal closely with any of our bullies (and one just left....)
fiona64.)One of the salient paragraphs is this:
Workplace bullying can include “screaming, cursing, spreading vicious rumors, destroying the target’s property or work product, excessive criticism, and sometimes hitting, slapping, and shoving.” Subtle behaviors, such as silent treatment, disregard of requests and exclusion from meetings, count as bullying.I've had many of these happen to me during my working life, especially spreading vicious rumors, destroying the target’s property or work product, excessive criticism. Another one I'm familiar with is
The bullies were described as two-faced actors, narcissistic dictators and devils, leading workers to feel like vulnerable children, slaves and prisoners in these situations. As one employee explained, "I feel like I have 'kick me' tattooed on my forehead."Been there.
But, like with so many others, it offers no solutions to the problem. Hell, the only one I know of is leaving.
Complaining usually doesn't work, because it's very hard to explain why criticism from one person is normal, but another person is vicious, constant, and abusive. It's not just what they say and do, it's how. The stress of being constantly under a microscope, constantly judged harshly, constantly criticized, constantly undercut and second-guessed, is horrific. Dealing with a passive-aggressive bully and management that plays along is degrading.
As I told one woman after a degrading, bully filled temp assignment: "I can probably make more money signing on a streetcorner, and it wouldn't be as bad for my health."
If you're experiencing bullying and stress-related illness, talk with your doctor. Document what effect the job is having on you, both with your doctor and in your own papers. It may come in useful if you have to apply for stress-related disability from it. I wish I had 20 years ago.
I'm glad that my current job is not like that. It has its ups and downs, but I don't have to deal closely with any of our bullies (and one just left....)
