28 Mar Bullying masked as banter has been experienced by 32 per cent of UK workers
Working with others can lead to lots of fun interactions and banter. However, what sometimes starts as good-natured teasing can cross the line and start becoming harassment. When this happens, it can affect your confidence, your self-esteem and your performance in your role. If the harassment is extreme, then turning up for work can become unbearable and even your leisure time can be marred by the anxiety of having to return to a toxic office or workplace atmosphere.
Unlawful behaviour
A recent study of more than two thousand people revealed that more than a third of workers in the UK have been on the receiving end of bullying camouflaged as ‘banter’. Interestingly, employees in some industries are more likely to experience this than others. The industries identified as the most likely to be hot spots for bullying disguised as banter were hospitality, finance and retail. Of these, the bullying was most prevalent in hospitality, where nearly 40 per cent of employees were targeted and traumatised.
Bullying of any kind is, of course, unacceptable and it is considered to be unlawful behaviour in the workplace. The data gathered in the study raised concerns about the prevalence of unlawful actions in workplaces and the rights of employees to take action as a result of bullying behaviour.
Maintaining boundaries
Healthy, fun and respectful banter can add joy to the experience of going to work. But when banter turns sour, it can be a source of great distress. It’s not always a clear-cut situation, however, as what one person might laugh off and find amusing, another might find deeply offensive. But if the banter is becoming cruel and affecting your mental health, then it is definitely unwanted and should be curtailed.
Speaking out against bullying can be terrifying, especially if your boss doesn’t take your side. Sometimes you can even be fired for making a stand and speaking out against bullies in the workplace. If this has happened, then you can do something about it and take your case to an employment tribunal.
If you want to make a constructive dismissal claim, then it would be a sensible idea to contact Employment Law Friend or a similar firm for advice and guidance as to the best way to go about making a constructive dismissal claim. People can get picked on and bullied for all kinds of reasons. https://www.theguardian.com/education/2022/jan/18/loud-academic-awarded-more-than-100000-for-unfair-dismissal and she not only won her unfair dismissal claim but was awarded Ł100,000 as compensation for her distress too.
Being bullied in the workplace is unpleasant for anyone who experiences it. If you have been bullied and want to make a claim in an employment tribunal, it is important to gather as much evidence as possible to support your case. If fellow employees saw or heard the bullying, they could make excellent witnesses.
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