Lifestyle
10 Signs That One of Your Managers Is a Workplace Bully
Bullying is often thought of as a problem confined just to schools and universities, but the reality is that it doesn't end there. Even as adults, many people find themselves facing bullying in the workplace.
In Malaysia, workplace bullying is a growing concern, and a study conducted in 2019 even found that nearly 40% of Malaysian employees reported experiencing workplace bullying.
This proves that workplace bullying is a rising severe issue that can significantly impact employee morale, productivity, and overall well-being. While bullying can occur at any level, it is particularly damaging when it comes from your direct manager.
So, it's essential to be aware of the specific behaviours that may indicate a manager is engaging in bullying. Here are ten key signs to watch for:
1. Unreasonable job demands
In Malaysia and many Asian countries, there is often a cultural expectation of long working hours and high productivity. A bullying manager might exploit this by setting unrealistic expectations and deadlines, leading to excessive stress and burnout among employees.
For illustration purpose only. Image Credit: Photo by Tara Winstead | Pexels2. Constant criticism & blaming for mistakes
In cultures where respect for authority is deeply ingrained, such as ours, constant criticism from a manager can be particularly damaging. Employees may feel they cannot speak up or defend themselves, leading to a significant drop in morale and self-esteem.
Additionally, such bullies may also blame their employees for mistakes, even when they are not at fault. This can create a culture of fear and discourage employees from taking initiative or making decisions.
3. Inconsistent rule enforcement & favouritism
Such managers may also be inconsistent in enforcing their stringent rules. They may favour some employees over others, leaving the employee feeling resentful.
They may even go one step further and exclude certain employees from meetings or social events, leading to feelings of isolation and alienation.
4. Threats and intimidation, especially in front of others
Using threats of job loss or demotion to control employees is a common tactic that may create a highly stressful and hostile work environment. This can be made even worse when it's done in front of other employees.
For illustration purpose only. Image Credit: Photo by Christina Morillo | Pexels5. Micromanagement
Excessive monitoring and controlling of employees' work can be a form of bullying. Such actions can show a lack of trust and can stifle creativity and innovation.
6. Spreading rumors
Sometimes, such managers may also engage in gossip or spread false information about the employees they dislike to undermine their reputation and make them feel even more isolated and alienated.
7. Abuse of power & negative reviews
They may use their position to deny promotions unfairly, raises, or opportunities for growth. This can hinder an employee's career development and create a sense of helplessness.
Meanwhile, such managers may also give unjustified negative performance reviews to further undermine employees' confidence and career progression.
For illustration purpose only. Image Credit: Photo by Felicity Tai | Pexels8. Emotional manipulation & gaslighting
Such bullies are often master manipulators and frequently manipulate employees' emotions to create dependency or fear.
This can involve playing on employees' insecurities or using personal information against them, as well as making employees doubt their own perceptions and sanity by denying their experiences or manipulating the truth.
9. Physical intimidation
They may even go a step further by using their physical presence to intimidate employees, such as standing too close, invading personal space, making threatening gestures, blocking exits, or engaging in any form of unwanted physical contact like pushing or shoving.
Such actions may make employees feel physically threatened or unsafe and further affect their work performance.
For illustration purpose only. Image Credit: Photo by Yan Krukau | Pexels10. Cyberbullying & invasion of privacy
Even if you feel like such bullying may be only limited to the physical workspace, such bullies may take it even further by continuing to bully you digitally.
These may be done via digital platforms to harass or intimidate employees, such as sending threatening emails or messages or spreading rumours online.
This can make employees feel as if they’re intruding on their personal lives or privacy without consent.
KAHAR: Kapla High Council
Recognising and addressing workplace bullying is crucial for fostering a healthy and productive work environment. By being aware of the signs of bullying managers, employees, and organisations can take proactive steps to combat this harmful behaviour and support those affected.
Astro Shaw's upcoming movie, KAHAR: Kapla High Council, explores similar themes of power dynamics and the consequences of bullying.
KAHAR: Kapla High Council features socially invisible Kahar (played by Amir Ahnaff) as he risks tainting his family`s KUDRAT legacy when he volunteers for the Pilihanraya to protect his best friend from getting bullied.
Don’t miss KAHAR: Kapla High Council coming to cinemas nationwide on 28 November 2024. #StopViolence
For the latest updates and more information, follow Astro Shaw’s Instagram.
Watch the trailer below:
Featured Image Credit: Photo by Tara Winstead | Pexels, Photo by Yan Krukau | Pexels
Must-Watch Video
