Starting in 2003, 24 states have introduced various legislation addressing bullying in the workplace. Unfortunately, none have become law as of this current point of time. However, professionals can still take steps to address bullying in the workplace, as various forms of bullying maybe a violation of the Civil Rights Act.
Don't disclose personal information to anyone
As professionals, we often lead hectic and stressful lives, balancing our jobs with our personal and academic commitments. Regardless of how we may feel about our jobs, it provides a paycheck. For the 8-10 hours that you are at work, make it a priority to not disclose your personal information to any of your co-workers. You never know who might just use your information against you as ammunition. Remember, you are at work to work, not to make friends. This applies more so when dealing with your supervisors. Maintain a clear separation of personal and work life. Do not intertwine the two.
Don't display any emotions
Just as we advise children and teens not to show any emotional reaction, the same applies to professionals. The moment you react to the bully, you are basically sending that person the message that they have succeeded in their quest to get to you. Ignore the bully and focus on your work. Eventually the bullying may die down when you show no reaction. your work is more important than catering to the whims of a bully.
Take a stand
If the bullying is problematic for you and hindering your work performance, confront the person that is bullying you and make it clear that it is distracting you from your work and that it is unprofessional behavior to display in the workplace. Chances are when you speak up and convey how you feel, the bullying may subside or the person that is bullying you may give you an apology. However, taking a stand does not always guarantee that it will bring positive results. Keep in mind the bullying may still continue.
Contact your supervisor
If the bullying persists, it's STRONGLY recommended that you notify your immediate supervisor of the situation. Have your supervisor handle the situation as deemed fit. Never take the matter in your own hands, as it may jeopardize your employment. Take the necessary and appropriate steps to bring the problem to an end all the while maintaining documentation of the steps you have taken and whatever e-mail correspondence that may have taken place. Document when you spoke to your supervisor, what was the action that was taken (if any action was taken), and did it have the intended affect. If your immediate supervisor does not provide the necessary remedy, escalate it to your superiors or to a representative from Human Resources.
Touch base with a legal counsel
As stated previously, some forms of bullying can be considered a violation of an individuals civil rights. That can occur when race, ethnicity, race, sex, or national origin come into play. If that is the case, it is advisable that you seek legal counsel. That should be the option of last resort, if all else fails (taking up the chain of command, touching base with HR). As a professional, you should never let the bullying reach this far. Unfortunately, there are no laws specifically addressing bully in the workplace, but there are laws that are built around civil rights.
Bullying in the workplace is detrimental to the operations of the organization. It can cause a decline in productivity, decrease of morale, and possibly the victim leaving the job all together. If you love working at a particular firm and enjoy what you do, don't let the bully have the last laugh. Take action! In the words of Garie Namie:
"Workplace bullying is like domestic abuse without the physical violence."
Always remember that even professionals can take a stand!
Tarkan, L. (2013, April 25). How to cope with bullying in the workplace. Retrieved February 4, 2015, from http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/04/25/how-to-cope-with-bullying-in-workplace/