Bullying in the work place is, thankfully, mostly verbal. But to most, long term verbal abuse is probably more insidious than the occasional push and shove. And it's not just what's said, there's also the big chance of deliberately being alienated from others in the workplace so the wrongdoers can gain the upper hand. How effectiveness is their pursuit to undo one's validity is entirely up to the receiver - how one chooses to deal with the matter is the key to either ending up being a victim or viewed upon by his/her peers as one of strength, vision and integrity.
One of the keys is to not look like a loser by complaining or snitching so to speak (unless it's real serious). You need to give the impression that you can take it, not complain, but tackle the perpetrators 'head ON'. Even though you will then be despised even more so, you will slowly gain the respect from not only your work colleagues, but also from the bullies.
Then saying what you have to say when the time is appropriate, you will find others will come out and say either the same or similar. What makes bullies strong is having others to support their work. Having others come to your direction is toxic to bullies, but you've shown your virtues by not yielding, not complaining, not talking behind backs and being direct.
Fear is what bullies and unions work on, and it's this fear that forces workers to do what sometimes they know is wrong. Like a show of hands for voting - many will just put up their hands for fear of being targeted later on - another win for the bullies.
It's always easier being said than done. But as I said, it's the fear that is mostly the real issue and not the cause. I've been intimidated and called a piece of s### over the phone but took it as part and parcel of being in a committee and not yielding to their impossible demands. I also had him say in front of others in the cafeteria that I was weak. I could have gone to HR and complained and taken it further, but I just knew that these idiots will eventually just shoot themselves in the feet. The union had to bring in a different member as the first one was not tough enough.
In my case I actually thought there was no way I could end up with the majority on my side, as that was not my aim - but that's how it ended. The guy that gave me hell and verbally abused me is now on permanent stress leave!
