Every day, employees across the country are bullied and abused at work. In fact, the issue of workplace bullying is a growing problem that affects nearly 30% of all employees during their careers, according to the Workplace Bullying Institute. If you have experienced workplace bullying, you may be asking yourself “why me?” And you are not alone. Here are some common reasons why people are targeted by workplace bullies.
Targets Are Skilled Workers
You may be bullied at work because you receive a lot of positive attention for your work. Maybe you are intelligent, determined, creative and regularly contribute new and innovative ideas. Or maybe you go the extra mile and gain recognition for your hard work. Maybe you even move through projects quickly while others are struggling. All these things attract the attention of workplace bullies. Bullying bosses, in particular, will target skilled workers and either steal the credit or undermine the target’s work.
Targets Are Well Liked or Popular
It is a myth that all victims of bullying are loners and outcasts with no friends or social connections. Often, it is the popular and well-liked workers that are most vulnerable to workplace bullying. If this describes you, bullies believe you pose a threat to their own popularity and social status at work. Office workers, in particular, are likely to form cliques and target others who threaten their status or social standing. If you are well-liked at work, this could be the reason behind the attacks and jabs at you from the office bully.
Targets Are Good People
If you would describe yourself as caring, social and collaborative, this may be the reason that you are being bullied. To a workplace bully, these characteristics drain the power they have at work. Team building is the antithesis of what a bully wants. Bullies want to be in control and to call all the shots. You may be targeted by bullies because you are a team player. This does not mean you should change your behaviour. It simply gives you some insight into why you are being targeted. You also may be targeted for being ethical and honest. For instance, whistle-blowers that expose fraudulent practices are frequently bullied by others at work to keep quiet.
Targets Are Non-Confrontational or Vulnerable
If you are introverted, anxious, or submissive, you are more likely to be bullied at work than those who are extroverted and assertive.
There is also some evidence that depression and other stress-related conditions might attract the attention of bullies. If you are suffering from any of these conditions, it is important to get treatment. Depression, anxiety and stress-related conditions should never be left untreated. What’s more, bullying will just exacerbate your symptoms.
Targets Are Viewed Stereotypically or Prejudicially
In other words, you may be targeted because of your gender, your age, your race, your sexual preference or your religion. You also may be bullied if you have a disability or a disease. Whatever the reason, workplace bullies single out and target people who are different from them in some way. They also tend to discriminate against others.
Targets Have Physical Features That Attract Attention
Unfortunately, adults often bully others for the same reason kids target others in elementary school. Whether you are short or tall, heavy, or thin, have a large chest or no chest at all, workplace bullies will find a way to exploit your appearance. In fact, almost any type of physical characteristic that is different or unique can attract the attention of bullies. This includes wearing glasses, having a large nose, having ears that protrude, and even having adult acne.
If you are experiencing bullying at work, take steps to report it. You also should do what you can to confront the bully. It is never a good idea to let workplace bullying continue without addressing it in some way. Even if you do nothing at all to report the bullying, at least take steps to take care of yourself.
EAP Assist provides Workplace Mediation, which is an initial, informal & confidential process aimed at helping employees & employers find solutions to disputes about workplace issues. See: https://eapassist.com.au/workplace-mediation/