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Writer's pictureSAMUEL CHIBUNNA

Spot the Signs of Bullying in Your Office!

There has been a growing movement to fight against the workplace in every industry in recent years. The presence of workplace bullying has shown companies and businesses how it affects productivity levels and makes the work environment toxic for everyone.

However, it is challenging to spot bullying because those who commit it will make sure their actions will not be noticeable. They would also make sure their victims do not report it, or else they will punish these victims for reporting. Others may even justify their bullying to help their victims “improve.” There is also the lack of anti-bullying policies in many workplaces, further fueling these bullies into continuing their actions.


If you want to spot bullying in your office and put a stop to it, here are 12 signs that you can look out for:

  1. Deceit Bullies will repeatedly lie or deceive others to get what they want from their victims. They will also promise things to appease others but won’t do anything to fulfil it.

  2. Name-calling Some examples include calling the victim derogatory names, being called out before the team, and sending abusive messages using the office’s internal system.

  3. Belittling  Victims are made fun of by the bullies, or their opinions are considered false or wrong.

  4. Diversion Bullies will try to dodge the issue if confronted, play dumb or avoid people.

  5. Ignoring The victim is excluded or ignored deliberately by the rest of the team and not informed about critical meetings.

  6. Discounting opinions Bullies would not address legal concerns and doubts when the team raises them.

  7. Scapegoat The victim is blamed for the actions of the bullies or when something wrong happens in the project.

  8. Rumours The bully would often spread negative rumours about their victim to influence others not to work with them or see the victim negatively.

  9. Pitting others against the rest Bullies will deliberately create conflict between the team and encourage people to fight their peers.

  10. Aggressive behaviour This behaviour includes shouting at the victim, intruding on their private space, or even harming them.

  11. Taking credit for another person’s work Bullies will steal or take credit for something they did not do and not even thank them if it is a group effort.

  12. Blocking someone’s growth or progress Bullies will ensure that their victims cannot grow or progress. Some things they can do are intentionally withholding essential information regarding projects, constantly changing assignments, submitting tasks late or betraying the team.


Whether you are a simple employee or the manager of the office, it is crucial that you become proactive in fighting against bullying. The more prolonged bullying in the office persists, the more likely people will start considering their options to leave the office.

Be vigilant, and report bullying to the right people when you spot it. If your office does not have a policy against bullying, fight for one. Remember, all employees deserve to have a safe, respectful and comfortable workplace because this will show them that the business cares for them.

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