Bullying at work

BULLYING in the workplace is more common than one might expect. Office bullies create a toxic environment and cause significant stress for their targets or the broader office community.

- PETER KRIEL

Compounding the issue is that it's not always easy to identify certain behaviours as bullying especially when they are subtle and veiled behind professional facades.

Unofficial boss

When a colleague adopts an attitude of self-importance and unofficial authority, this behaviour can sometimes cross into the realm of office bullying. Individuals with this mindset often feel entitled to monitor, correct or control the actions of their peers even when they lack the formal authority to do so.

This can lead to behaviours that undermine the autonomy, confidence and contributions of colleagues. The person may criticise, belittle or "advise" under the guise of support, but the desired effect is often to enforce their own dominance and diminish others' value within the team.