It is difficult to find the perfect job that gives you the ability to use your skills and feel as though you are contributing to your place of business. Sometimes we have to settle for employment that does not utilize our qualities but hope to climb the corporate ladder to a more satisfying position. Whatever situation you may find yourself in at your workplace, dealing with discrimination and bullying does not have to be part of the scene. Many people do not even realize that this type of behviour is being used against them. Know the signs and find out what you can do to protect yourself. Trying to be the best that you can be in being a good employee is hard enough without tolerating bad behavior.

Discrimination and bullying is not just the act of being refused what is rightfully yours because of your color, sex or age. It is any type of unfavorable factor in comparison to others within your same department, education, skill or merit. Maybe a kinder phrase would be ‘preferential treatment'. For example, you may be overlooked for a raise when newer, less qualified and less productive workers in your department receive a raise, placing them at a higher pay scale than you. Perhaps you were not meant to find out about the raise but co-workers love to brag. You may be made the brunt of others jokes for not receiving a raise, or receiving equal treatment, because they enjoy paying out on you knowing that this is the case.

Direct discrimination and bullying is more open and less discreet. Insults, cruel rumors circulated about you and name calling are types of direct discrimination and bullying, especially when they attack personally and have nothing to do with your job performance.

Getting along with co-workers and compromising your beliefs are two different things. For example. A group of coworkers have formed a lottery group and put in money every payday but you have never played the lottery or gambled and don’t believe in it. You choose to opt-out. Direct discrimination and bullying may begin by those who have an issue with you not wanting to get involved.

Indirect discrimination and bullying is almost as bad as being called names. The ‘silent treatment' may cause you to shrug your shoulders and go about your business but when it begins to interfere with the rules, regulations or procedures of the task at hand, this is indirect discrimination. Requesting reports that you need in order to finish your outline and being ignored or finding that someone has clocked you out on your timecard is indirect discrimination and in violation of work codes. When these actions and others are repeated, the line is crossed into bullying.

These types of actions are nothing to take lightly, especially when you need your full attention on your job performance. If discrimination and bullying or other types of harassment or victimization repeatedly occurs, you have the right to report the actions to protect your own interests. Almost everyone wants a job that will make them excel in their performance but discrimination and bullying in the workplace can cause undue stress and worse, a violation of your rights. Present the problems to your superiors and give them the opportunity to nip the problem in the bud before further action is necessary.

© By Mandy-Jane Clarke

Stop-Bullies.com