Workplace bullying is a serious issue that affects millions of adults every year. It can have a devastating impact on an individual’s mental health, well-being, and overall job satisfaction. In order to combat workplace bullying, it is important for adults to be aware of the different forms it can take and to have strategies in place to address it. Here are 24 examples of workplace bullying and ideas to support adults who are experiencing it:

1. Verbal abuse: This includes yelling, insults, and other harsh language directed at an individual in the workplace.

2. Exclusion: When a person is deliberately left out of meetings, projects, or social events by their colleagues.

3. Micromanaging: Constantly monitoring and criticizing an employee’s every move can create a toxic work environment.

4. Withholding information: Keeping important information from an employee can hinder their ability to do their job effectively.

5. Sabotage: Deliberately undermining a colleague’s work or reputation in order to make them look bad.

6. Gaslighting: Manipulating someone into doubting their own thoughts, feelings, and reality.

7. Cyberbullying: Using email, social media, or other digital platforms to harass or intimidate a colleague.

8. Rumor spreading: Spreading false or malicious rumors about a colleague in order to damage their reputation.

9. Physical intimidation: Making threats or using physical force to intimidate a colleague.

10. Assigning unreasonable workloads: Giving an employee more work than they can reasonably handle in order to overwhelm and stress them out.

11. Undermining authority: Disrespecting a supervisor or manager in order to create chaos or discord within the workplace.

12. Discrimination: Treating an employee unfairly based on their race, gender, age, or other protected characteristic.

13. Victim-blaming: Blaming the victim of bullying for their own mistreatment, rather than holding the bully accountable.

14. Passive-aggressive behavior: Using subtle, indirect, or underhanded tactics to undermine or manipulate a colleague.

15. Denying opportunities: Withholding promotions, raises, or other opportunities from an employee in order to keep them down.

16. Unwanted sexual advances: Making inappropriate or unwelcome sexual comments or advances towards a colleague.

17. Belittling: Making someone feel small or inferior through criticism or mockery.

18. Invasion of privacy: Snooping through an employee’s personal belongings or monitoring their personal activities without permission.

19. Repeated criticism: Constantly nitpicking and criticizing an employee’s work in order to erode their confidence.

20. Cyberstalking: Harassing, threatening, or monitoring a colleague online in a way that creates fear or discomfort.

21. Public humiliation: Embarrassing or shaming a colleague in front of others in order to assert power or control.

22. Pitting employees against each other: Encouraging competition and conflict between colleagues in order to create a toxic work environment.

23. Coercion: Using threats or pressure to force an employee to do something against their will.

24. Gaslighting: Manipulating someone into doubting their own thoughts, feelings, and reality.

If you are experiencing workplace bullying, it is important to speak up and seek support. Here are some ideas to help you address the situation:

1. Document the bullying: Keep a record of specific incidents, dates, and individuals involved in the bullying.

2. Seek support from HR: Talk to a human resources representative about the bullying and request assistance in addressing the issue.

3. Talk to a supervisor: If the bullying is coming from a colleague or supervisor, consider speaking to a higher authority about the situation.

4. Seek counseling: Talking to a professional counselor or therapist can help you process your feelings and develop coping strategies.

5. Join a support group: Connecting with others who have experienced workplace bullying can provide a sense of solidarity and understanding.

6. Take legal action: If the bullying has escalated to a point where it violates labor laws or company policies, consider consulting with a lawyer.

7. Consider changing departments or jobs: If the bullying is pervasive and ongoing, it may be necessary to seek opportunities elsewhere.

Workplace bullying is a complex and difficult issue, but it is not something that you have to face alone. By recognizing the signs of bullying, speaking up, and seeking support, you can take steps to protect yourself and create a healthier work environment for yourself and others.