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When we hear the word “bullying,” our minds often jump to schoolyards and classrooms. But bullying doesn’t always end at the school gates. It follows people into adulthood — and yes, it happens in the workplace too.
And just like when you were younger, it still stings. It still chips away at your confidence. It still makes you dread Mondays.
Work should be challenging. It should stretch you, push you, maybe stress you a bit now and then. What it shouldn’t be is a place where you feel small, intimidated, or constantly walking on eggshells.
If you’re being bullied at work — and yes, let’s call it what it is — it’s not something to just “tough out” or brush off. You’re not too sensitive. You’re not the problem. And you’re not alone.
This Anti-Bullying Week (10–14 November), the theme is Power for Good — and we think that applies just as much to boardrooms as it does to classrooms. If you’re being bullied at work, it’s not something you have to tolerate, excuse, or brush under the carpet. It’s time to use your power — and the support around you — to take action.
First of all: What does workplace bullying look like?
It’s not always shouting across the office or overt name-calling. Often, it’s subtle. Undermining. Isolating. It can look like:
Relentless nit-picking or regular, unnecessary criticism
Eye-rolls in meetings or being left out of meetings (deliberately)
Personal comments or “banter” that crosses a line
Gossip, side-eyes, and constant one-upmanship
Micro-management that borders on harassment
And it’s not just limited to managers — bullying can come from colleagues, clients, even indirect teams.
If it’s repeated behaviour that makes you feel belittled, intimidated or deliberately uncomfortable — that’s bullying. And it’s not something you have to put up with.
1. Start keeping a record
It might feel over the top — but keeping a record gives you back some control.
Note the date, time, who was involved, what was said or done, and how it made you feel. Screenshot emails or messages if needed. Even if you’re not ready to report it yet, having a clear log will help if and when you do.
Example:
14 May – Manager criticised me in front of the full team for the third time this week, despite the issue being resolved. Tone was sarcastic, comments felt personal.
That level of detail matters.
2. Talk to someone you trust
This could be a colleague, line manager, HR, or union rep. Even a friend outside work. Saying it out loud can help you process what’s going on — and remind you that you’re not imagining it and might validate what you’re feeling (which is often the first step toward action).
If you’re in a union, contact your rep. If your workplace has HR, schedule a confidential chat.
If you don’t feel safe speaking internally, there are excellent support organisations right here in Northern Ireland who can help:
Local Support Resources:
Labour Relations Agency (LRA) – Free advice on workplace disputes
📞 03300 552 220 | 🌐 lra.org.ukEquality Commission NI – Particularly useful if bullying involves discrimination
📞 028 9050 0600 | 🌐 equalityni.orgAdvice NI – Practical, confidential advice across employment matters
📞 0800 915 4604 | 🌐 adviceni.net
3. Raise it formally — when you’re ready
If the behaviour continues and it’s impacting your mental health, performance, or just your general wellbeing, you have every right to raise a formal grievance.
Every employer in Northern Ireland should have a grievance procedure — it might be in your staff handbook or on your company's intranet. Follow it, and refer to your notes.
If you don’t feel comfortable doing it alone, bring someone with you — a trusted colleague, union rep or HR support.
It’s not “making a fuss.” It’s standing up for yourself. That is using your power for good.
4. You can leave – and that doesn’t mean they’ve won
Sometimes, the best thing you can do for yourself is walk away. That doesn’t make you weak. It makes you smart.
Your wellbeing is not worth sacrificing to prove a point or because you’re worried about how it’ll look. There are better workplaces out there — we see them every day.
If you’re ready to explore your options, we can help you find a role where you’ll be respected, supported, and able to thrive without walking on eggshells.
This Anti-Bullying Week, remember this:
If you’re being bullied at work, please know it’s not your fault, it’s not in your head, and you don’t have to just get on with it or tolerate it for the sake of a salary.
You have rights. You have options. And there are people and organisations ready to help you take your power back.
If you’re ready to move on to somewhere that actually deserves you, we’re here when you’re ready.
📩 hello@vanrath.com
📞 (028) 9033 0250