Many of us spend a lot of our daily life at work. It therefore follows, if you are being bullied at work, this can have a serious impact on you and your mental health. Whether it comes from a manager, colleague or group of employees, no one should feel intimidated or humiliated in the workplace.
If this resonates with you, there are practical steps you can take to address the situation and protect yourself.
What Can Bullying In The Workplace Look Like?
There can be many different examples but, generally, it is where you may feel intimidated or feel degraded. Some examples of behaviours which may cause you to feel that way include:
- Repeated criticism;
- Being shouted at;
- Exclusion from meetings; and/or
- Excessive monitoring or micromanagement.
How Should You Respond?
If you believe you are being bullied, keep a detailed record of incidents. It is helpful to keep a record of the dates and what has happened. Whilst you may choose to only keep a record of events, if you need to progress with more formal action in the future, it will help.
You may choose to raise the issue informally to begin with. For example, you could speak to HR or to your Line Manager to see if they can support a resolution. However, if you feel the situation is already serious or are disappointed with the informal approach, you should consider submitting a Formal Grievance. Most employers have a Formal Grievance Policy which will set out the process and what to do next.
Understand Your Legal Rights
In some cases, an employer’s failure to address serious bullying could also give rise to employment law claims, which include Constructive Unfair Dismissal. A previous blog has been written setting out what Constructive Unfair Dismissal is; https://lincslaw.co.uk/blog/what-is-constructive-unfair-dismissal/
How Can Lincs Law Help You?
Lincs Law provide bespoke Employment Law advice. We are happy to have an initial conversation with you to learn of your Employment Law concerns and, thereafter, we offer an initial Fixed Fee Consultation; https://lincslaw.co.uk/fees/employees/
If you would like to Contact Us, please email us at ContactUs@lincslaw.com or telephone 01522 440512.
Lucy Stones
Associate Employment Solicitor
Lincs Law
Tags: bullying bullying at work constructive unfair dismissal employment law claims formal grievance Harassment Lincs Law lucy stones