What to Do if You Feel Like You’ve Been Mistreated At Work

Source: Pexels

Experiencing mistreatment within your workplace can often leave you feeling uncomfortable and therefore unmotivated to come into the office. In addition, repeated workplace bullying can have detrimental effects on an individual ranging from both physical and mental health complications such as high blood pressure, stress, anxiety and depression. If you feel as though you are a victim of workplace mistreatment, contact lawyers in Melbourne for professional legal expertise. Workplace bullying is an unpleasant experience, so what can you do if you’ve felt like you’ve been mistreated at work?

Confront The Perpetrator

How exactly can you handle workplace bullying? Although it may seem difficult, confronting the perpetrator and raising your concerns is a good starting point. Explain the impact that their actions have had on your work ethic and overall well-being. And if the bullying has only occurred a few times, this a great window of opportunity to stop the behaviour in its track before you become a victim of long term workplace bullying. It is important to stand your ground and reinforce the impact that their behaviours have had on you. However, if this is something that has been occurring longer term, you may feel more comfortable accompanied by a close colleague who has witnessed the encounters.  Having a source of support may alleviate some of the pressure you may be experiencing and a second opinion could help bring light into the matter.

Compile Your Evidence

Document each occurrence immediately after it happens. Every date, time, place and conversation of when the bullying happens will strengthen your case. Speak to your colleagues and gather further evidence. Chances are, you’re probably not the only person who has fallen victim and the greater the number of people, the stronger you case will be. Collectively, you can highlight how the actions of the bully are damaging the company and present your case to a senior manager. However, if no further action has been taken, it is crucial to know the importance of escalating the matter to HR and seek legal outlets where appropriate.

Look After Your Health Outside Of Work

Bullying can make a person spiral both in the office and outside in personal environments- there’s no doubt that the bullies actions can take a toll on the victim. And with that being said, it’s important to seek balance by focusing on the positives in your life rather than shifting all your time and effort on the negative. Outside of work, focus on things that bring happiness into your life such as running, meditation or reading. Lean on your friends and family for support, some may have even experienced bullying themselves and can provide you with some relevant advice.

Look For A New Job

If you have exerted all your options and the bullying still continues, it may be appropriate to look for a new job and leave the situation. Although it may add to your anxiety at first, once you have freed yourself from the toxicity, you will be able to regain mental and physical health. However, if you’re worried about experiencing the same trauma at a new workplace, conduct some research prior to signing the papers. Read online reviews, speak to customers and employees of the company so that any doubts can be rectified.

Each individual is entitled to safe and stable working conditions free from bullying or mistreatment. However, if you have found yourself in circumstances where your health and wellbeing has become compromised because of bullying, it is important to take the necessary measures in order to regain your basic entitlements. 

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Scroll to Top