Ok, so after we all left school, we move into the workplace and feel relieved that we have left childish things behind us. No more childish games being played, no more bullying, no more nasty little comments made or having to fit in with the ‘In’ crowd. That’s how it works isn’t it?

Well sadly, the answer to that question is a resounding No. Unfortunately bullying takes place in every part of Society and that includes the office. Bullies often prey on people they think won’t answer back or who don’t have the confidence to fight back. They are a bit like birds of prey who pounce on those who are less able to put up a good defence.

Try to avoid getting caught up in office politics or becoming too friendly with the management team: if you are seen as ‘sucking up to the boss’ or participating in gossip and backstabbing, then you can leave yourself vulnerable to being preyed on by a bully. But if you do get ‘picked on’ then you need to take action.

Indeed, the best way that you can ‘deal’ with the office bully is to make sure that you stand up to them right from the start. If they make a small, even insignificant comment, which you think is made to make a point, ask them what they mean by it. If they make comments about the way that you dress, your appearance or even your work, ask them what they mean by that, is there a problem? Do they want to sit down with you and perhaps a member of the management team, to see if you can sort it out?

If you don’t have the confidence to do this, then tell someone straight away if you feel you are getting picked on. If you just put up with it, this will be like oxygen to the bully and they will grow ever more daring. And your confidence will continue to be sucked out of you, until you end up suffering from stress and feeling burnt out. Getting to this stage is bad news, because it means that your chances of getting into another good job are remote and whilst recruitment agencies are very good, they cannot work wonders, so don’t let the bullies get to you in the first place.