Workplace bullying can have serious consequences, including increased distress, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, depression, and anxiety. Understanding the causes of workplace bullying is an important step toward reducing and eliminating this behavior.
Skilled Workers Are Often Bullied
You may be bullied at work because you receive a lot of positive attention for your work. Maybe you are intelligent, determined, creative, and regularly contribute new and innovative ideas. Or maybe you go the extra mile and gain recognition for your hard work. Maybe you even move through projects quickly while others are struggling. All these things attract the attention of workplace bullies.
Well-Liked Employees Are Often Bullied
It is a myth that all victims of bullying are loners and outcasts with no friends or social connections. Often, it is the popular and well-liked workers that are most vulnerable to workplace bullying. If this describes you, bullies believe you pose a threat to their own popularity and social status at work. Some bullies form cliques and target others who threaten their status or social standing. If you are well-liked at work, this could be the reason behind the attacks and jabs at you from the office bully.
Good People Are Bullied at Work
If you would describe yourself as caring, social and collaborative, this may be the reason that you are being bullied at work. These characteristics drain a bully’s power. Team-building is the antithesis of what a bully wants. Bullies want to be in control and to call all the shots. So, you may be targeted by bullies because you are a team player. This does not mean you should change your behavior. It simply gives you some insight into why you are being targeted. You also may be targeted for being ethical and honest. For instance, whistleblowers who expose fraudulent practices are frequently bullied by others at work to keep quiet.
Non-Confrontational People Are Bullied
If you are introverted, anxious, or submissive, you are more likely to be bullied at work than those who are extroverted and assertive. There is also some evidence that depression and other stress-related conditions might attract the attention of bullies. If you are living with any of these conditions, it is important to get treatment. Talk to your healthcare provider about your symptoms. Depression, anxiety, and stress-related conditions should never be left untreated. And bullying can exacerbate your symptoms.
Bullying Is Motivated By Prejudice
Some employees may be targeted because of their gender, age, race, sexual preference, or religion. You also may be bullied if you have a disability or a medical condition. Whatever the reason, workplace bullies single out and target people who are different from them in some way. They also tend to discriminate against others. If you are being bullied for any of these reasons, you may have some legal recourse. Consider contacting the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to see if you can file a complaint.
Bullying Focuses on Appearance
Unfortunately, adults often bully others for the same reasons kids target others in elementary school. Whether you are short or tall, heavy or thin, have a large chest or no chest at all, workplace bullies will find a way to exploit your appearance.
Isolation: Freezing the target out of both work-related and social events and conversations Aggression: Displaying anger toward a target (may be verbal or nonverbal) Intrusion: Invading the target’s personal space or desk/work area Minimization: Dismissing the target’s suggestions, ideas, or questions Intimidation: Threatening or otherwise scaring the target Criticism: Giving unwarranted or unconstructive feedback; belittling or embarrassing the target Gossip: Discussing the target behind their back; spreading rumors or untruths
Almost any type of physical characteristic that is different or unique can attract the attention of bullies. This includes wearing glasses, having a large nose, having ears that protrude, and even having adult acne.
A Word From Verywell
If you are experiencing bullying at work, take steps to report it. You also should do what you can to confront the bully; research shows that both seeking help and assertiveness can improve psychological wellbeing. It is never a good idea to let workplace bullying continue without addressing it in some way. Even if you do not report the bullying, take steps to take care of yourself.
