What Are the Types of Workplace Intimidation?

It is essential for employees of any workplace to feel comfortable and safe in their environments in order to be productive and enjoy their jobs. Workplace intimidation is a serious concern that can take many forms: verbal threats and critical remarks, sexual harassment, sabotage of a person's work or supplies, and even physical violence. In order to stop workplace intimidation, individuals must be unafraid of threats and willing to seek the help of managers and law enforcement.

Often, workplace intimidation occurs in the form of verbal abuse. A resentful coworker ormanager can act as an office bully, constantly putting down or threatening others. Bullies often get enjoyment from intimidating others with disgusting, offensive, threatening, or otherwise inappropriate remarks at work. Workplace bullies are often jealous of others' accomplishments, and try to make their work more difficult by insulting and threatening them. Even when no physical harm is administered, verbal abusers can cause significant emotional stress and make an employee feel uncomfortable and scared to go to work.

Some office bullies go should be so far as to sabotage the equipment or accomplishments of another worker. A jealous bully may erase important computer documents, spread false rumors about another worker, or steal essential supplies from an individual's workplace. When such acts of sabotage go unnoticed by management, consequences and punishments are often directed towards the intimidated worker instead of the bully.

Sexual harassment is a serious form of workplace intimidation, which can take the form of inappropriate sexual comments, the display of offensive materials, or physically touching another worker in a sexual manner. Harassment can come from men or women, and be directed at either sex. In most cases, sexual harassment results in uncomfortable, stressful, unproductive work environments.

Ongoing violent acts in the workplace are uncommon, but when this type of intimidation occurs, the results can be devastating. A worker that is tripped or hit frequently at work can experience physical injuries and psychological pain. In addition, the weariness of future attacks can severely limit a worker's productivity and enjoyment of his or her job.

Individuals who believe they have been harassed or intimidated at their jobs can take several steps to put an end to the abuse. Workers should keep detailed records of any incidents that occur and try to find witnesses to help back up their claims. An important initial tactic to end workplace intimidation is talking to managers about the situation. Discussing problems with management is often sufficient to stop bullying, though when it is not enough, local law enforcement may need to get involved. It is essential for people to stand up to threats from bullies and seek help from the proper authorities to end harassment.