How to Recognize Workplace Bullying and Where to Report Such Behavior?

Bullying in the workplace is a phenomenon that can occur in any organization and involves systematic, long-term harassment of an employee by other workers or supervisors. It can happen at various levels – in both small and large companies. Workplace bullying is harmful not only to the employee but also to the atmosphere in the workplace and the entire organization. It is a serious issue that affects not only the well-being and mental health of the victim but also their performance, and consequently, the company’s effectiveness.

What is Workplace Bullying?
Bullying is persistent and long-term harassment, intimidation, or humiliation of an employee by other workers or supervisors. It can take various forms: verbal, physical, psychological, and socio-professional. Common bullying behaviors include:

• Social Isolation – excluding the person at work, avoiding contact, ignoring their presence in the team.
• Mocking – making fun of the employee, slandering their work or skills.
• Creating an Atmosphere of Uncertainty – threatening, intimidating, forcing the employee to work in stressful conditions.
• Overloading with Responsibilities – excessive work burden, unrealistic expectations of results, tasks that are not suited to the position.

The goal of bullying is to make the victim feel powerless and lower their self-esteem. Often, the employee becomes the target of psychological and physical aggression, leading to chronic stress and, consequently, burnout, depression, and even difficulties in interpersonal relationships outside of work.

What Are the Consequences of Workplace Bullying?
Workplace bullying can have serious consequences for both the victim and the organization. Prolonged stress caused by bullying negatively affects physical and mental health, leading to:

• Anxiety and depression disorders,
• Burnout,
• Decreased self-worth,
• Difficulties in decision-making and problem-solving.

From the company’s perspective, bullying results in decreased morale within the team, higher absenteeism, employee turnover, and reduced team efficiency. Moreover, the legal consequences for the company can be significant – the employee can file a complaint with the appropriate institutions, leading to additional costs for the employer and potential legal sanctions.

Where to Report Workplace Bullying?
If an employee experiences bullying at work, they should know where and how to report such incidents. There are several options:

1. Report to the Employer – The first step is to talk to a direct supervisor or the HR department. In case of serious allegations, the employer is obliged to take action to resolve the situation.
2. Report to the National Labor Inspectorate (PIP) – If the issue cannot be resolved within the organization, the employee can report the bullying to the National Labor Inspectorate (PIP). PIP can conduct an inspection in the company and impose appropriate penalties on the employer.
3. Report to the Labor Court – If the victim wants to seek compensation, they can take the case to a labor court, which will review the case of bullying and decide on the appropriate sanctions.
4. Legal Advice – In situations where the bullying issue is very serious, it is advisable to consult with a lawyer who can help guide the process of reporting the bullying and advise on the best legal steps in such a situation.

What Steps Should Be Taken to Prevent Bullying in an Organization?
Companies should have procedures in place to prevent bullying. A good solution is to train managers and employees about the harmful effects of bullying and promote openness and communication within the team. Additionally, the organization should create a procedure for reporting such cases that ensures the anonymity and safety of employees.

Summary
Workplace bullying is a serious issue that can affect both the professional and personal lives of employees and the efficiency of the entire organization. It is important for companies to implement procedures that prevent bullying and for employees to be aware of their rights and know how to report such incidents. With appropriate actions, the risk of bullying can be effectively minimized, and safe and comfortable working conditions can be ensured for all employees.