Skip Navigation
Do2Learn Logo
Keeping a Job
Workplace Bullying & Harassment

person yelling at another personOverview

Bullying and harassment are terrible events that sometimes happen to people in childhood, adolescence, and even in adulthood.  Bullying and harassment should never be viewed as acceptable or expected.  Bullying and harassment should never be overlooked or ignored.

Bullying and harassment are never okay. Unfortunately, bullying sometimes happens in the workplace.  In order to respond to and cope with bullying, there are some important steps you should take:

Key Points
  1. The first thing you need to do is talk to an adult who you trust.  Do not try to handle this situation alone!  This person should help you decide whether or not you are being bullied.  They can help you decide what to do next. 

  2. Understand what bullying is.  If you know the definition of bullying and understand various examples of bullying, it will be easier to figure out if you are being bullied. 

  3. Understand what harassment is.  If you know the definition of harassment and understand various examples of harassment, it will be easier to figure out if you are being harassed. 

  4. Understand why some people bully.  This is not to make excuses for their bad behavior, but just to help you understand what motivates someone to bully others. 

  5. Understand why you might be the target (victim) of bullying—and most importantly, know that it is not your fault if you are bullied. 

  6. Make a response plan.  What will you do if you are bullied or harassed at work?

  7. Review and rehearse this response plan with someone you trust (i.e. family member, mentor, therapist, teacher, job coach, close friend).

  8. Develop coping strategies to help you deal with the stress, fear, and sadness you might feel if you are a victim of bullying.

Print

 


Don’t be the bully or the harasser!

It is also important for you to make sure that you are not intentionally or unintentionally bullying or harassing someone else at work.  Some people with autism and other disabilities have trouble reading and displaying certain social cues.  This might cause them to do or say things that other people could interpret as bullying or harassment.  Read more information about Bullying.