Dr Pauline Rennie-Peyton
Integrative psychotherapist and chartered psychologist Msc. AFBPsS
What to do if you are bullied at work
- Recognise it and don't ignore it
- Approach the bully (with a colleague as a witness) and ask them to stop
- Keep a record of all events, times, dates and witnesses
- Research your organisation's policy on harassment and bullying at work
- If the behaviour doesn't stop approach your line manager or HR for help
- Don't be fobbed off with "Leave it with me, I'll have a word with them."
- If it doesn't stop put the complaint in writing and go back to HR
- Do get the support of your family and friends
- Renounce the idea that only weak people get bullied
- Don't be tempted to leave your job as a solution
If you witness bullying at work
- Don't ignore it
- Point it out to the person who is being bullied
- Offer to support the person in asking the perpetrator to stop
- Offer to support the person in reporting the situation to HR
- Keep a record of what you see and hear
- If they're too afraid to report the behaviour offer to do it on their behalf
- Stop colluding with this behaviour (if you do nothing you are colluding)
- Be prepared to be a witness
- Be proactive - ignoring it won't solve anything
For an initial confidential discussion please contact Pauline Rennie Peyton.
