Is work place bullying common and what are your experiences with it?

Always Tired wrote: »

If it happens to you, write down exactly what is said/happens and times and dates. Keep the log updated as it will be your only ally and best evidence. Don't expect HR to help, they're there to protect the employer, not you. And don't expect any other employees to have your back, most likely when push comes to shove they will leave you swinging in the wind. Big reason the bullying is so rife in Ireland is that the workers have no balls and won't stick up for themselves, they'll complain but when it comes down to actually taking action they won't want to know, they will be happy to let you stick your neck out while they save their own.

This. It's absolutely imperative that people note everything - dates, times, locations, witnesses. I would add: note where the cctvs are around the premises, and be aware that there are often cctvs on a premises whose location is only known to senior or security people.

Keep your office or whatever door open and always try to avoid being alone with the person. Move the 'Record' button to the front of your phone and press it if said person approaches (whether it will be permissible or not to enter it in a court of law is not relevant at this stage; you will be able to play it for more important people so that they understand what's happening). Similarly, if it's necessary and you can discreetly have the camera on your laptop recording, go for it. The employer has a legal duty to provide a safe working environment and you have a legal right to work free from fear, threats, etc.

Lastly, in my experience it is not true that there's some Irish cultural worldview where everybody keeps their heads down. If you really need the job and your position is not secure, this may well be the best course of action for you. However, plenty of people in secure positions in the workplace have no problem keeping an eye out for more vulnerable colleagues. Bullies have patterns, and they choose their targets. Senior management very often are aware of past behaviour because there have been previous complaints. In every workplace, the bully will have enemies who'll be delighted to see their destruction. Workplaces are not some monolithic entity. Talk to people and you'll get a feel for past behaviour, the politics of the company/organisation, and if you keep asking the right questions names of previous victims. A union representative is often a repository of information in this regard. If anybody remembers the Kate Fitzgerald suicide back in 2011, following a piece she wrote about being bullied at work, very shortly after her death another employee's claim of bullying by a manager in the same firm was quickly settled. A coincidence? Be assured you're not alone and that there are people who are at the stage in their careers where they'd be keen to settle scores by helping you. There are still, despite the cynics, also very many people who genuinely revile bullies and would feel ethically compelled to help you. Record everything.