Updated: 07/14/2025
Bullying doesn’t just happen to teenagers. Bullies at work are actually being reported by more and more people each year. According to some surveys, up to 30 million workers in America have experienced or are now experiencing bullying at work. It’s estimated that 30 million more people have seen it. In this article, you will discover what to do if your manager is bullying you.
Anyone at work has the potential to become a victim of workplace bullying. But probably the most challenging circumstance to handle is bullying by a manager—the exact person in charge of your career advancement within the organization.
My Bullying Manager Experience
I remember the day my boss started bullying me. It was a Monday, and I had just returned from vacation. I wasn’t quite back in the swing of things yet, and my boss took advantage of that. He started yelling at me for not completing a project on time. He made me feel like I was worthless, and that I was the worst employee he had ever had.
It didn’t stop there. The bullying continued for weeks on end. He would criticize everything I did and would make me stay late at work to do extra work that wasn’t even necessary. I felt so alone and helpless. I didn’t know what to do to make the bullying stop.
Finally, after months of abuse, I quit my job.
People frequently are unaware that their manager is mistreating them. Instead, they think they have a strict boss or one that merely encourages their staff to produce outcomes. However, it is crucial to be able to spot workplace bullying because it can have serious repercussions.
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Steps For What To Do If Your Manager Is Bullying You
No one deserves to be bullied at work, no matter their role in the company. If you are experiencing bullying from your manager, it can be difficult to know what to do. Here are four steps to help address the situation:
1. Document Everything
If you are being bullied by your manager, the first thing you need to do is document everything. Write down the dates, times, and what happened. If there are witnesses, get their names and contact information. If you are unsure of what to do, contact a lawyer. But before you do that, be sure to document everything and save the evidence. If you cannot get the names of witnesses or if they cannot be reached, you can still take legal action.
2. Talk To HR
You should also talk to your HR department and see if they can help. Many companies have policies in place that prohibit bullying behavior. They may be able to help you transfer to another department or even terminate the manager’s employment. But even if you aren’t able to get justice, you should still document the bullying. The evidence will help you when it comes time for a lawsuit against your company. And no matter what, you should always report it to HR and to management.
If your HR department doesn’t seem to be willing or able to help, it might be time to look for a new job. In extreme cases, you might need to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
3. Find Support
You can also try to build a support system at work. Talk to your coworkers and see if they will back you up if things get bad. Some employers have a “no-bullying” policy, and if you are a victim of bullying at work, your coworkers can be a great source of support.
Talk to peers in your industry and let them know what’s going on. They can also help you find other jobs in another company if you need to leave. If you’re a student, perhaps your teachers will help you out in this situation. This can help you feel less alone and more supported.
4. Get Help From Outside Sources
If you’re experiencing bullying behavior from your boss, it’s important to take action as soon as possible. Talk to an employment attorney to learn about your legal rights and options. You may be able to file a lawsuit or negotiate a settlement with your employer. The sooner you take action, the better chance you have of resolving the situation. Remember that you do not have to file a lawsuit against your employer, but you do have a right to talk to an attorney about such matters.
If you are part of a union, you can also talk to a union representative or other union members if you feel your employer is violating the rules. You are legally entitled to receive fair treatment at work and have a right to be free from bullying and a toxic boss.
If you’re not sure, talk to someone at your state’s Department of Labor. They can help you find an attorney in your state who specializes in workplace issues.
Speak to a therapist to help you navigate a bullying manager. You can also seek out counseling or therapy if you feel like the bullying is causing you distress. There are many resources available to help victims of bullying find a way to deal with the trauma and move on. Many people turn to therapists in order to process the negative experiences they have with their bully bosses. Bullying behavior can be repetitive and overwhelming, leading some people to seek the help of a therapist. I think this is an excellent idea, in fact. There are lots of therapists at BetterHelp that are experienced in dealing with this very issue.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are being bullied by your manager, there are steps that you can take to protect yourself. It is important to document what is happening, talk to people that you trust, and seek legal help if necessary. You don’t have to be bullied by your boss, and there are lots of options available for you to deal with the situation. Remember, you are not alone and there are people who can help.
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