OFFICE BULLIES

The below article is on the BBC website, it brings to the fore a problem with aggressive workmates who may be rather a handful for junior employees and sometimes other fellow senior personnel, in most cases these bullies are so cunning that they are always in the good books of the main manager, they are the official 'office informant' to the main manager as it were, seemingly beyond reproach....for a time...I have seen one at play, they can be very disruptive,close to wreaking havoc on rank and file especially with weak senior managers, they tear apart the workplace cohesion fabric by playing petty politics... but I also discovered that there is more to it, sometimes it is a cry for help by the pepertrator

For most people bullying is a hazy memory from their days at school, but for some it can be a depressing part of their everyday experience at work.

There are two main forms of abuse - harassment and bullying. Generally speaking, harassment is conduct that demeans an individual, whether related to their age, sex, race, disability or religion. Bullying, on the other hand, normally consists of offensive, insulting or threatening behaviour.

Both types can be carried out by individuals or groups and can be frightening and miserable for the victim.

They can take the form of malicious gossip, ridicule of a person in front of everyone else, barbed threats about job security or unwanted sexual advances such as standing too close or personal contact.

Fight back against the bullies

• Speak to a colleague or manager
• Keep a written record of abuse
• Contact your union rep
• Make a formal complaint

Speak out
If this is happening to you then find someone you can talk to about your concerns - it may be a sympathetic line manager or colleague. If you are convinced you are being bullied or harassed then make immediate contact with your union representative who will give you advice.

Keep a detailed diary of every incident. Note down dates, times, who was involved and what happened - this could be crucial evidence for an employment tribunal.
Warn the person who is causing the problem to stop otherwise you will take it further, alternatively you can get someone to do this on your behalf or write them a letter. Be firm and confident, but not aggressive or confrontational.

If it fails to stop then you may decide to make a formal complaint. All companies should have a grievance procedure - details of which would be laid out in your contract of employment - which you should follow to the letter. Again, advice from a union rep or sympathetic manager can be crucial at this stage.

BBC

Other sources:
http://www.femail.com.au/workplacebullying.htm
http://www.howtohaveabullyfreeworkplace.com/?gclid=COHz-JatmI0CFQNQEgodHDLV6Q
www.bullyonline.org/workbully/articles.htm
hodu.com/bully.shtml