How to Confront Mobbing in Your Workplace

When entering adulthood, it’s expected that you won’t encounter any bullies as you have seen in school. Unfortunately, that is not the case, as there are many bullies in the workplace too. If you feel intimidated by a co-worker or someone higher-up than you, and you dread to be near them, as well as being verbally or even physically harassed—you are probably dealing with a bully and workplace mobbing. 

Conflicts within an organization are inevitable, but when a co-worker crosses a line and becomes destructive to your wellbeing and safety, you should speak up and deal with them. If you want to know how to confront mobbing in your workplace, read on.

Speak Up on Their Behaviour

Tolerating workplace bullying will get you nowhere, and the bully will not stop their behaviour, or they will only get worse. When you have decided to confront your bully, you must be serious and not offer your personal opinions. 

Describe them exactly what they are doing, without adding any emotions, only facts. Next, tell them how their actions are affecting your work, and that you will not put up with their behaviour in the future. Don’t go back on your words and allow them to repeat their behaviour.

Confront the Bully

Hopefully, speaking up on the bullies’ behaviour has been enough, but if it wasn’t, you will have to confront them about their actions. Next time a bully behaves inappropriately or harasses you, confront them with their behaviour. 

Calling out a bully on their behaviour will put them on the spot, hopefully in presence of other colleagues and higher-ups. Bullies are often children in adult bodies, and they are just throwing a tantrum or trying to show they are better than anyone.

Keep Proof of Bully’s Actions

Written words are better proof than telling what happened, so make sure you keep tabs on your bully and their behaviour. Document bullying, any improper behaviour or harassment, so you have solid proof when confronting them or reporting an incident. 

Be specific about what happened and their words, and include the date, time, and location of the incident. Encourage co-workers to document the incidents too so you have solid witnesses.

Report to HR

If their behaviour hasn’t been resolved, the next step is to report the incidents to HR or manager. Human resources are there to help resolve any incidents in the workplace, and they should be able to help you. Bring all your proof and a solid story, and remember to be consistent. 

Do this in a calm state, since distraught complaints may not be taken seriously, and you may miss some crucial details. Mobbing is a serious problem, and you don’t need to be overly emotional to get an advantage.

Seek Professional Help

If mobbing has escalated into harassment or becomes a threat to your life, you may need to press charges against the bully, and need assistance from workplace harassment lawyers. If mobbing has occurred online over email, text, and other communication, keep a hard copy of every correspondence for proof. Write down information on incidents, and talk with your co-workers in case you need witnesses.

Resign or Ignore

If your circumstance allows it and you decide it is not worth dealing with the bully, maybe it is better to resign your job. It will save you a lot of time, effort and mental health, and you will be in a better place to find a more suitable workplace. 

If you can’t leave your job, remember that you are not alone and that sometimes ignoring that person will make them go away. Seek help with a counsellor, and surround yourself with loving people for support.

Remember, you are never alone. Workplace mobbing happens often, unfortunately, and it can happen to anyone. It is a widespread issue that needs serious addressing. Your experience doesn’t have to define you, and with the right support, you can deal with any situation.