Key Points at a Glance

• Bullying does not result from a single conflict, but rather from repeated and deliberate exclusion or belittlement.
• Those affected often feel burdened, unsettled, and alone in dealing with the situation.
• It is important to take bullying seriously from the outset and not to downplay it.
• Support from trusted individuals or company resources can help you make sense of the situation and plan your next steps.
• No one should have to deal with bullying or exclusion on their own.

Not every disagreement in the workplace constitutes workplace bullying. Differing opinions, misunderstandings, or tensions are part of everyday work life and can often be resolved through discussion.

The situation is different when a person is repeatedly belittled, excluded, or deliberately disadvantaged over a long period of time. Experiences like these can significantly undermine a person’s sense of security, motivation, and well-being.

Bullying often develops gradually. That is precisely why those affected often find it difficult to properly assess the situation.

What is bullying?

Bullying occurs when a person is repeatedly harassed, excluded, or belittled over an extended period of time. Bullying can manifest itself in various ways. For example, if someone:

• regularly faced derogatory remarks,
• is deliberately excluded from information,
• is repeatedly exposed or ridiculed,
• is systematically excluded,
• is constantly subjected to unwarranted criticism, or
• Rumors are being spread about oneself.

What matters is not a single incident, but rather repeated behavior and the resulting stress it causes.

What are the potential consequences of bullying?

Bullying often has an impact beyond the workplace. Many people in this situation report that they have a hard time unwinding even after work. Possible consequences include, among others:

• persistent tension,
• Sleep problems,
• Difficulty concentrating,
• Insecurity or self-doubt,
• Withdrawal from coworkers or one’s social circle,
• declining job satisfaction.

The longer bullying goes on, the more stressful it can become.

Taking Your Own Perception Seriously

Many people in this situation initially wonder if they might be overreacting or have misunderstood the situation. Such doubts are understandable. Still, it’s important to take your own experiences seriously.

If you feel that you have been belittled, excluded, or treated unfairly on a regular basis over an extended period of time, it’s worth taking a closer look.

It can be helpful to write down specific situations. This provides a clear overview and makes it easier to discuss your own perceptions with others later on.

Seek Support

Bullying should not be dealt with alone. Talk to someone you trust as soon as possible. These may include coworkers, your supervisor—provided they are not part of the problem—or other points of contact within the company.

This discussion often helps us better understand the situation and work together to determine what the next steps should be.

Act with caution

Even though the situation is emotionally stressful, it’s worth taking a measured approach. Depending on the situation, it may be helpful to,

• To document incidents,
• To prepare for conversations,
• Involve support within the company, or
• to learn about the available avenues for filing a complaint.

The appropriate steps to take always depend on the specific situation. There is no one-size-fits-all solution.

Taking on Responsibility as a Colleague, Too

Bullying doesn’t just affect the person who is directly targeted. Colleagues can also help foster a respectful work environment.

If you notice that someone is repeatedly being excluded or belittled, you shouldn’t just look the other way. Even small gestures of support or simply addressing a difficult situation can make a significant difference for those affected.

Treating one another with respect is a shared responsibility of all employees.

In a nutshell

Bullying is more than just a single conflict. Repeated exclusion or belittlement can significantly affect one’s health and well-being. Anyone who takes their own perceptions seriously, seeks help early on, and makes use of available resources does not have to deal with such a situation alone.

Your Next Step

Even just a few minutes of reflection can help you apply what you’ve read to your own situation.

If a situation at work is weighing on you, ask yourself:

• Is this a single conflict or a series of stressful experiences?
• Who among my close friends or family could I talk to about my situation?
• What specific situations do I want to document so I can better understand them?