Your workplace should be an environment in which you can fulfill your job duties with comfort. Other employees and supervisors alike should support you and not cause you unnecessary stress. Unfortunately, not every workplace is a positive environment.
Bullying and discrimination are common employment issues. According to the Workplace Bullying Institute, approximately 19 percent of U.S. workers are victims of bullying at their jobs. If you deal with this kind of behavior at your job, it may make it difficult for you to complete your tasks. However, discriminatory and belittling behavior is not always obvious. Sometimes, it is subtle. Here are a few red flags that you may be a victim of bullying at work.
Undermined work
When you get to work, your main focus is to fulfill your duties. If you find you face obstacles from other staff members, they may be discriminating against you. For example, you may encounter a co-worker who purposefully delays your work, progress or success. Another possibility is a supervisor promising to give you new projects or promote you, then giving those rewards to someone else.
Changing or removing your responsibilities
Your job should stay relatively familiar and constant, aside from any promotions, demotions or clear explanations as to why your employer is adjusting your duties. If you find your employer changes your role, replacing parts of your job or removing your responsibilities without cause, it may be because of discrimination.
Isolation
While you do not need to be good friends with everyone at your job, you should feel like you belong. You should be able to have normal conversations with colleagues, attend work events and partake in social gatherings. If you feel isolated, ignored or overlooked, it may be a sign that something deeper is happening at your workplace.
You should document any instances that may be discriminatory, in case you file a claim against your employer.