Why don't HR deal with workplace bullies who repeatedly offend?
Would love to understand why so little is done to address this.
Joanna Giordano
HBO HR experience. Resume/Job & Health coach.
358
05/02/22 at 8:44PM UTC
oh juicy. Not really the focus of this group, but interesting.
Rashida Graham Educator/Trainer in Silver Spring, MD
183
04/16/22 at 1:44PM UTC
I'd love to know too.
Kryssy SantanaAMFT . One Day at a Time
237
02/25/22 at 1:18AM UTC
Me too
Anonymous
02/11/22 at 5:02PM UTC
I will not defend bullies and I can say that I have been the recipient of such behavior. It hurts!
I can also say that I was accused of bullying and had no clue. I thought I was helping my accuser be a better employee but they and I spoke in a different language.
What I learned was that each person has a different lens we look through and what is considered acceptable behavior by some is not seen that way by others. It takes a special person to hear that they are a bully and take steps to rectify the situation but even when they work towards being better, it's can be hard for the recipient to see the change because of the previous damage done.
I'm in that situation now. A person who has bullied me is trying hard to rectify their behavior and while I acknowledge that they are changing, it's really hard for me to let go of the past. I keep feeling like they may circle around and hurt me again.
So, if your bully does try to make changes and I'm going to say ... they may be very small changes ... make sure to let them know that you hear that they are trying and encourage the behavior. Thank them so that they know that they have been seen and that their attempt to change is worth their time. In this way, you can work together to heal.
Jane Francis
14
02/07/22 at 6:41AM UTC (Edited)
I hear you!
It IS hard to understand; meanwhile we see it so clearly !! I have experienced that acutely working overseas and it has been so isolating & frustrating. I believe (especially in my situation) it is because of the investment in the human as a commodity. Also, resources of correcting the behavior may not be readily available or the structure in place to handle the bully. I took something head-on and it was like kicking a hornet's nest, but finally leveled out a bit. We all need to be able to feel safe and protected both professionally and emotionally at work and also not carry it home. You don't owe that bully any energy, but often easier said than done. You do deserve a courteous and stable workplace. I hope you get it soon. Keep asking questions
Anonymous
01/31/22 at 6:22PM UTC
Because no one sees it as an issue.
Coach Nancie Kay ShumanHippy dippy Princess out to change the world!
1.3k
01/27/22 at 10:11AM UTC
I am going to ask something which is going to be awful: how much revenue does the bully bring in for the company? This is the situation I faced many years ago. The person who was bullying me made a lot of money for the company, so her actions were tolerated. I developed migraines over it. In the end, I left for something which was a longer commute, and not as stable, but not having to deal with her and the lack of protection and support? Worth it.
Anonymous
01/25/22 at 3:59PM UTC
From what I can tell, it's a matter if perspective. What you or I would consider bullies, leadership and HR do not. Many times bullying must rise to the level where the behavior empacts the company financially. Many times we interpret the behavior as definitely creating an environment where people don't work as hard, people leave the company, etc. Unfortunately Management and by association HR, so not see this impact as directly related or entirely negative.
It all depends on culture and financial impact. If there are no legal consequences and an obvious negative result to a degree that requires a correction, the attitude is that you and I need to move on off the subject or move out the door.
Heather Macone
626
01/25/22 at 3:17PM UTC
Considering how many posts there are about workplace bullying on FGB, I too am surprised by how prevalent it is. Would some HR Pro's be able to provide any insight or examples of how this has been handled in their experience? What are some examples of tools for people to use in the event that they are in this situation (i.e. examples of email language, verbal text or situational language)?
