What Professional Women should know about Bullying and Harassment

None of us like to think about it but bullying and harassment in the workplace do happen. While sexual harassment is less of a problem than it used to be, most companies have less than adequate ways of dealing with bullies. As professional women we need to recognize the signs of bullying and harassment and know what to do.

Sexual harassment is fairly easy to recognize and can include any of the following

* Offensive jokes or remarks

* Pushing past in a way that forces physical contact

* Offers of promotion or pay increases for working 'overtime'

* Direct physical contact in a sexual manner

If any of these things are happening to you, it doesn't matter what position the offender holds: tell them loudly in front of others to STOP and that you do not like their behavior. Always stay calm and if need be ask for assistance from a colleague. If the behavior continues report them to HR.

Workplace bullying can be a little harder to recognize and is sometimes subtle. Unfortunately women are just as likely to be guilty of bullying as men. Bullying behavior can include (but is not limited to)

* Deliberately leaving someone 'out of the loop'

* Constantly telling off, or degrading a worker in public

* Interfering with the victims ability to work

* Deliberately sabotaging work or chances of promotion

* Snide remarks or 'evil' looks

* Deliberately not performing tasks such as signing off work, relaying phone calls or not passing on important information

* Creating impossible deadlines and overloading with work

* Ridiculing and undermining

* Threats of job loss, or reputation

* Ambiguous, ridiculing, or threatening e-mails

These are just some of the bullying behaviors that can occur. If you become a victim of workplace bullying you will know about it.

Many workplace bullies attack out of jealousy either personal or professional. Some of them feel threatened by another's skills and talents and so work to undermine them. A few bullies just seem to be naturally aggressive and consider this part of their 'style'.

As with sexual harassment, it is important that you stay calm if you are the victim of bullying. Running off to HR will probably get you labeled as being 'oversensitive' and you may to told to 'sort it out' for yourself.

The minute you experience any bullying behavior start documenting it. Keeping good documentation is one of the best ways to protect your self if things should escalate. If you have a trusted friend or colleague, discuss the problem with them. Always keep in mind that the bully has the problem, not you. Don't let them interfere with your productivity as you will want to be seen as professional at all times. Be ready to take matters further if you need to.

It is unfortunate that among professional women there are a few who choose be less than professional in their actions. Men who bully at work tend to be overt in their actions, while women are more subtle and so more difficult to deal with if they decide to bully. Know what your rights are and be prepared to deal with any harassment and bullying in a professional manner.

Please note: NAPW allows members and affiliates to post articles of interest to our blog. This and other blog posts in no way reflects the views of the National Organization of Professional Women.