Workplace bullying is the persistent mistreatment of an
individual or group of individuals by one or more persons in the workplace. This can take the form of either physical or
emotional abuse and can cause serious harm to those affected. It can include such tactics as verbal, nonverbal,
psychological, physical abuse, workplace cyber-aggression and humiliation. This type of workplace aggression is
particularly difficult to deal with as, unlike the typical school bully, workplace bullies often operate within the established rules and policies of their organisation and their society. In the majority of cases, bullying in the workplace is by someone who has authority over their victim and uses their position and power to do this. However, bullies can also be peers, and occasionally subordinates.
Workplace bullying can be covert or overt. It can appear as overbearing supervision, constant criticism, and the blocking promotion chances and may be missed by superiors, or it may be known by many throughout the organisation and ignored. Its negative effects are not limited to the targeted individuals, but can result in an overall decline in employee morale and can even lead to a detrimental change in organisational culture. It is one of the clear signs of a Toxic Workplace so if this happens to you, or you see it
happening to others, it might be best to start looking for a new job.