Are You Bullied at Work?

Bullying...a topic usually made in reference to kids at school but bullying isn't just for kids.  A Zogby poll estimates that 53 million U.S. workers are affected by bullying at work, with 34.4% of all surveyed reporting they'd been bullied at work - intimidated, harassed, or threatened by a boss or co-worker.  How do you know if you're being bullied? 

According to Directgov.com, bullying includes abuse, physical or verbal violence, humiliation and undermining someone's confidence.

Bullying can be face-to-face, in writing, over the phone or by fax or email.

If you think you're being bullied, how do you deal with the problem? Directgov.com gives some tips.

Get advice. Speak to someone about how you might deal with the problem informally. This might be: an employee representative like a trade union official someone in the human resources (HR) department your manager or supervisor Some employers have specially trained staff to help with bullying and harassment problems. They are sometimes called 'harassment advisers'. If the bullying is affecting your health, visit your doctor.

Talk to the bully. The bullying may not be deliberate. If you can, talk to the person in question, who may not realise how their behaviour has been affecting you. Work out what to say beforehand. Describe what has been happening and why you object to it. Stay calm and be polite. If you don't want to talk to them yourself, ask someone else to do so for you.

Keep a written record or diary. Write down details of every incident and keep copies of any relevant documents. Making a formal complaint Making a formal complaint is the next step if you can't solve the problem informally. To do this you must follow your employer's grievance procedure.

Now let's here from you.  Please take our poll below.