A Witness to Workplace Bullying: What Can I Do?

October is not just about falling leaves and pumpkin spice lattes; it's also Bully Prevention Month. As we sip our hot beverages and enjoy the autumn air, let's take a moment to reflect on the importance of creating healthier and happier workplaces by addressing the very real issue of workplace bullying. If you find yourself as a witness to such behavior, it's crucial to know what to do and how to play a proactive role in ending it.

Workplace bullying can affect anyone, regardless of their position within the organization. Alarming statistics reveal that almost one in five employees in the United States (19%) have witnessed workplace bullying at some point in their careers.1 This highlights the importance of being ready to prevent and address this problem even if we have not been a witness, yet.

1. Be Brave: Speak Up and Take Action

If you witness workplace bullying, the first and most crucial step is to be brave and speak up. Don't be a bystander; instead, take action to make a difference. Your courage can be a catalyst for positive change.

Here are some steps you can take as a witness to workplace bullying:

• Approach the person being bullied privately and express your support. Let them know that you're there to help.
• Document the incidents you witness, including dates, times, locations, and descriptions of what happened. This information can be valuable when addressing the issue.
• Encourage the person being bullied to report the behavior to their supervisor, HR department, or a higher authority. Offer to accompany them if it makes them feel more comfortable.

2. Be Honest: Address the Issue Directly

Honesty is essential when confronting workplace bullying. Avoid minimizing or ignoring the situation. Being honest about the problem is the first step toward creating a more respectful and supportive work environment.

As a witness, you can use these strategies to address the issue honestly:

• When talking to the person responsible for bullying, express your concerns without judgment. Use "I" statements, such as, "I've noticed some behaviors that concern me."
• Encourage open and honest conversations about workplace bullying within your team or department. This can help create a safe space for discussing the issue collectively.
• Emphasize the importance of addressing the problem directly and honestly for the benefit of everyone in the workplace.

3. Be Kind: Show Empathy and Support

Tackling workplace bullying doesn't mean assigning blame or pointing fingers. Being kind and showing empathy is essential in promoting change. Your kindness can make a significant difference to those who are being mistreated.

Here's how you can show empathy and support:

• Offer a listening ear to the person being bullied. Oftentimes, having someone to talk to and confide in can go a long way.
• Actively include and show respect to those who you know have experienced workplace bullying--sort of modeling inclusion to your team through your interactions with those who are being targeted by bullying.
• If the person being bullied is comfortable with it, consider involving HR or management to address the issue formally.

Why Does It Matter?

So, what's the value of being brave, honest, and kind when addressing workplace bullying? It's simple: we all have a role to play in creating healthier and happier workplaces. By taking a proactive stance against bullying, we can help reduce stress, anxiety, and emotional turmoil that often accompany toxic work environments.

The opposite of workplace bullying is a supportive, inclusive, and nurturing work environment where every individual feels valued, safe, and respected. It's a place where people can be their best selves and contribute their talents without fear of mistreatment.

In the spirit of Bully Prevention Month, let's remember that if you are a witness to workplace bullying, you have a pivotal role to play in creating healthier and happier workplaces. Be brave, be honest, and be kind. By taking these proactive steps, your actions can help transform our workplaces into spaces where everyone can thrive, free from the shadow of bullying, and filled with positivity.

- Written by Ellie Haskins

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This thought leadership article was written as part of Blanchard Community's cyberbullying prevention initiative. To learn more and be part of it, check out our Cyberbullying Prevention section.

Sources:

1. Namie, Gary, PhD. "2021 WBI U.S. Workplace Bullying Survey" Accessed October 20, 2023. https://workplacebullying.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/-Prev.pdf