How to Identify and Deal with Workplace Bullying

Do you ever find yourself dreading the workday before it even begins? It’s not always the big, obvious moments that weigh on you. Sometimes, it’s the subtle, persistent things—being left out of meetings, having your ideas brushed aside, or feeling like you’re constantly undermined. This is what workplace bullying can look like, and its effects are often draining, both emotionally and professionally.

Don’t sweep these things under the rug and know that there is plenty you can do to take back the power and enjoy your job again. It’s not easy to confront bullying at work, and it’s completely understandable if you’re feeling stuck or unsure of what to do next.

You deserve to work in a place where you feel respected and valued, and we’re here to help guide you through this process. In this article, we explore how to identify the warning signs of workplace bullying and give you practical strategies for dealing with it.

What Is Workplace Bullying?

The definition of workplace bullying can take many forms, but at its core, it involves repeated and harmful behavior that undermines or humiliates someone in a professional setting. It's often subtle and hard to pinpoint at first, but the impact can be significant over time.

So, what constitutes workplace bullying? Here are a few common examples of what it might look like:

• Constant criticism or micromanagement. A manager or colleague constantly criticizes your work unfairly or hovers over every minor detail. This targeting in the workplace can lead to a feeling of incompetence or anxiety.
• Exclusion or isolation. Being left out of meetings, team discussions, or social events can be a form of bullying. When you're consistently sidelined or cut off from important information, it can make you feel powerless or insignificant in the workplace.
• Verbal abuse. Insults, belittling comments, or harsh, unwarranted remarks, especially in front of others, are clear examples of workplace bullying. This behavior is meant to embarrass or undermine you.
• Spreading rumors or gossip. If a colleague spreads false or damaging rumors about you, personally or professionally, this can deeply affect your reputation and relationships at work.

6 Types of Workplace Bullies

Workplace bullies come in all shapes and sizes; often, they aren’t as easy to spot as you might think. Some are loud and in-your-face, while others are sneaky and work behind the scenes.

Here are six common types of bullies we hope you never encounter at work:

1. The aggressor. This one’s the obvious bully—loud, confrontational, and never shy about putting you down. Whether it’s public criticism or outright insults, they thrive on making you feel small in front of others.
2. The passive-aggressor. This bully is tricky to spot because their actions are subtle. They might give you the cold shoulder, make sarcastic remarks, or pretend to be helpful while actually setting you up to fail. It’s like being hit with a smile, but the damage is still done.
3. The gossip. Ever had someone spread rumors or tell stories behind your back? That’s the gossip bully. They stir the pot, creating drama and turning colleagues against you while pretending they’re just “sharing” information.
4. The gatekeeper. This bully controls the flow of information—blocking you from getting what you need to do your job well. Whether it’s not sharing important details or setting impossible tasks, they make success feel just out of reach.
5. The silent saboteur. You might not even realize this person is sabotaging you at first. They’ll conveniently forget to include you in emails or meetings, leaving you unprepared or out of the loop, and then act like it’s no big deal.
6. The credit stealer. We all know someone who loves taking credit for other people’s work. This bully makes themselves look good by riding on your hard-earned efforts while leaving you feeling overlooked and undervalued.

Workplace Cultures That May Increase the Risk of Workplace Bullying

In some workplaces, bullying can slip under the radar and take root because of the environment itself. When a company’s culture is hyper-competitive, people can feel pressured to undermine one another just to get ahead.

This cutthroat mentality creates a space where everyone is trying to prove themselves through more than just their work. Intimidation unfortunately becomes viewed as a strategy for success in these cases.

Leadership plays a huge role in shaping the culture, too. If the leaders are disengaged or, worse, bullies, it trickles down to the rest of the company. Poor leadership sets a bad example, making negative behavior the norm. Without a strong leader championing respect and fairness, you’re left to navigate a hostile environment on your own.

Another challenge comes in workplaces with poor communication or where teams are siloed. In these disconnected environments, workplace bullying can thrive because no one is watching closely enough to see the damage being done. Victims often feel isolated, without anyone to turn to, and bullies can fly under the radar.

How to Recognize the Signs of Workplace Bullying

Identifying these signs is the first step toward addressing workplace bullying, whether it's happening to you or someone else. By staying alert to these behaviors, you can help squash them and foster a healthier, more supportive environment for yourself and your colleagues.

Signs You Are Being Bullied

Sometimes, you might not even realize you're getting picked on at work until it's already taking a heavy toll on you. Here are a few signs to help you recognize if the way you’re being treated counts as bullying:

• You're constantly being criticized or called out in front of others. No matter what you do, it's never good enough, and the negative comments are piling up—especially when other people are around.
• You get excluded. Suddenly, you're not invited to meetings or team lunches, and it seems like decisions are being made without your input.
• Your workload is impossible. You're given tasks that are way beyond what anyone could reasonably handle without any support or guidance.
• You dread going to work. The thought of facing another day with certain coworkers or managers makes your stomach churn.

Signs Someone Else Is Being Bullied

Sometimes, it's easier to spot when workplace bullying is happening to someone else. If you've noticed any of these behaviors in a colleague, they might be struggling:

• They've become quieter or more withdrawn. A once-engaged colleague now barely speaks up in meetings or looks visibly nervous around certain people.
• They're being unfairly singled out. You've noticed their work is always under the microscope while others seem to get a free pass.
• They avoid certain people. You've seen them steer clear of specific colleagues, trying to limit interactions as much as possible.
• They're overworked without recognition. They're putting in a ton of effort, but it's like no one's noticing or giving them credit.

Signs Someone Is a Bully

Bullies aren't always the loud, aggressive types—they can be subtle and strategic. Here's what to look for to identify a perpetrator:

• Signs your coworker is a bully: They regularly interrupt or dismiss other people's ideas in meetings, making them feel small. Their "jokes" always seem to have a sting to them, leaving others feeling insulted even if the comment was said with a smile. They make a habit of excluding specific individuals from important conversations or social events.
• Signs your boss is a bully: They constantly hover over your shoulder or criticize your work, especially if they only do it to certain people. A toxic boss doesn’t give you the tools or details you need to succeed but criticizes you for not meeting expectations. They treat one person far more harshly than others—setting them up to fail with unrealistic deadlines or impossible tasks.

Bullying vs. Harassment

Now, here's where things can get tricky. Employee bullying, while terrible, isn't always illegal. It can make your life miserable and be completely unfair. Unfortunately, if the bullying is based on personal dislike or office politics, there are no workplace bullying laws to protect you, but that doesn't mean it's acceptable, or that there is nothing you can do about it.

For workplace bullying to cross the line into harassment it must be based on a protected characteristic, including race, gender, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. At this point, the behavior is illegal, and you have specific rights. If this happens to you, it’s crucial to document each instance in detail, including dates, times, and what was said or done.

Report the harassment to HR or your company’s designated representative. If the issue is unresolved internally, you may consider seeking legal advice or filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to protect your rights and address the behavior.

How Workplace Bullying Affects Victims and Witnesses

The effects of workplace bullying don't just stop at the targeted person—they ripple out to everyone who witnesses it, too. If you're the victim, you might start feeling anxious at work, depressed, or even physically unwell. Your job performance can take a hit because the stress starts to wear you down, making it hard to stay focused or motivated.

For those witnessing the bullying, it's also hard. Watching someone else get bullied can create a tense and fearful environment. You might worry about whether you're next or just feel uncomfortable in a workplace where this kind of behavior is tolerated.

Either way, workplace bullying affects everyone in the office. This is why it’s important that everyone is an advocate for a positive environment.

How to Deal with Bullying in the Workplace

So, how do you deal with bullying in the workplace? Figuring out how to handle it can feel overwhelming, but there are steps you can take. Your response will depend on the situation and the severity of the behavior. Here's a look at how to respond to workplace bullying in various scenarios.

What to Do If You're Being Bullied by a Colleague

Scenario 1: You’re Constantly Interrupted in Meetings

A colleague continually interrupts you during meetings and dismisses your ideas in front of others, making you feel small. Here's how you can handle it:

• Speak to the individual. If it's persistent, try pulling them aside privately after the meeting and say something like, "I've noticed you tend to interrupt me when I'm speaking. It's making it hard for me to share my ideas. Can we be more mindful of letting each other finish?" This allows them to adjust their behavior without confrontation.

Scenario 2: You’re Excluded from Team Gatherings

You notice your colleagues frequently go to lunch together or have informal meetings, but you're never invited. Here’s what you can do:

• Speak to your manager. If you consistently feel left out, raise it with your manager. You could say, "I've been feeling a bit disconnected from the team, especially during informal gatherings. I'd appreciate it if you could encourage a more inclusive environment." Your manager should be above any social office politics and be able to advocate for you.

Scenario 3: Your Receive Sarcastic Remarks or Backhanded Compliments

Your colleague keeps making sarcastic comments about your work, like, "Wow, you actually got that done on time? Impressive!" Here’s how to deal with a workplace bully in this instance:

• Address the comment directly. You could say calmly, "I'm not sure what you mean by that, but I'd appreciate it if we kept things more constructive." Sometimes, shining a light on a comment forces someone to rethink their behavior.

What to Do If You're Bullied by a Manager or Supervisor

Scenario 1: You’re Being Micromanaged

Your supervisor constantly checks in on you and leaves you no room to manage your tasks independently, showing a lack of trust and respect. Here’s how to deal with a supervisor who bullies in this way:

• Speak to your supervisor. You could say professionally: “I appreciate your feedback, but I’ve noticed that I’m being checked on frequently, affecting my ability to manage tasks efficiently. Can we agree on set check-ins so I can work more independently?” This can help set clearer boundaries.
• Go to HR. If speaking to your supervisor doesn't help, you may need to escalate the issue to HR. Bring specific examples to back up your claim. You could say, "I feel as though my supervisor is bullying me by micromanaging every aspect of my work. They are constantly hovering over me, and questioning even the smallest decisions, and it's affecting my performance and well-being."

Scenario 2: Your Manager Unfairly Criticizes You

Your manager regularly criticizes your work, even when you meet or exceed expectations, leaving you feeling constantly attacked. In this case, you should:

• Speak to HR. If the unfair treatment continues, speak to HR. For instance, you could say, "I've been receiving what I believe to be disproportionate criticism from my manager. I'd like to discuss how my manager bullying me in this way impacts my work and morale." They should investigate or mediate.
• Seek legal advice. If the criticism is based on a protected characteristic (like gender, race, or disability), it could be considered harassment. In that case, it may be necessary to seek legal advice to understand your rights and potential next steps.

Scenario 3: Your Boss is Withholding Opportunities

Your boss gives key projects to others but consistently overlooks you, limiting your growth and advancement opportunities. Here’s how to deal with a bully boss in this situation:

• Speak to your boss. Request a one-on-one meeting and ask for clarity. For example, you could say, "I've noticed I'm not being considered for key projects, and I'd like to understand how I can better position myself for these opportunities moving forward."
• Go to HR. If your boss refuses to discuss or address the issue, report it to HR and request mediation. Explain how this affects your career development and ensure you have examples of any opportunities that you feel have been withheld from you.

What to Do If You Witness Someone Else Being Bullied

Scenario 1: A Colleague is Talked Over in Meetings

You notice a colleague is constantly interrupted and dismissed during meetings, leaving them unable to contribute. You could:

• Step in and support them. During the meeting, you could say something like, "I'd love to hear more of [colleague's name] thoughts on this before we move on." This subtly redirects attention back to them without causing a scene. Plus, it can politely alert the bully that their behavior has not gone unnoticed by others.

Scenario 2: A Colleague is Excluded from Team Activities

A colleague is frequently left out of meetings, team emails, and social events, leading to isolation. Here’s how you could handle this type of workplace bullying as a bystander:

• Speak to your colleague. Offer your support privately. For instance, you could say, “I’ve noticed you’ve been left out of some team activities. That’s not fair, and I just wanted to let you know I’m here for you if you want to talk or take action.” You could also suggest that your colleague is added to invitations – calling out the actions of the bully.

Scenario 3: A Colleague is Belittled

You witness a manager publicly belittling a coworker during a team meeting, review session, or in any other setting. You should:

• Speak to HR. If the workplace bullying continues or worsens, it's time to report it to HR. You could say, for example, "I've seen [colleague's name] being belittled by [manager’s name] on multiple occasions, and it's creating a hostile work environment. Can you step in?"

How Not to Deal with Workplace Bullying

When dealing with workplace bullying, it’s essential to understand that some responses, while tempting, can make things worse rather than resolve the issue. So, take a deep breath and consider what doesn’t work and why before facing the issue:

Ignoring the Problem

While it might seem easier to ignore bullying and hope it will go away, this approach usually backfires. The bully may see your silence as permission to continue or even escalate their behavior.

Over time, the problem can grow worse, affecting your well-being, confidence, and work performance even more. It’s always better to stand up to bullying for yourself or someone else and show bullies you know you’re worth.

Waiting Too Long to Act

Similarly, delaying action, to see how things pan out, also often worsens the problem. The longer the behavior continues unchecked, the more difficult it becomes to stop.

Acting sooner gives you a better chance of resolving the situation before it spirals out of control. At the first sign you or a colleague is being bullied consider your options for facing it.

Reacting Emotionally

It’s natural to feel upset when you’re bullied at work, but responding with anger, tears, or frustration can play right into the bully’s hands. Emotional reactions can shift the focus away from the bully’s actions and make you appear unprofessional to those who don’t realize what’s going on.

This can inadvertently hurt your reputation and make it harder for others to take your concerns seriously. This makes letting someone, such as your manager or HR know, so they can support you.

Venting or Gossiping

Talking to coworkers about the workplace bullying might feel like a way to vent or find support. Still, it can quickly turn into office gossip. When word gets around, it could reach the bully or others in the company, creating more tension.

Make sure you don’t appear unprofessional, which could hurt your credibility when reporting the issue formally. Instead, only speak to those who need to know and keep your language respectful – don’t stoop to the bully’s level.

Say Goodbye to Bullies and Hello to a Healthier Workplace

It’s time to leave workplace bullying behind and find a job where you’re genuinely valued. Sign up for a free Monster account and explore thousands of job listings tailored to your experience, receive personalized job alerts, and read more expert career advice. Plus, upload your resume to get noticed by top employers looking for candidates like you.

This article is not intended as a substitute for professional legal advice. Always seek the professional advice of an attorney regarding any legal questions you may have.