Feeling Lost in Your New Job

Starting a new job can be both exciting and overwhelming and it’s common to feel a sense of being lost or confused during the initial stages. In order to overcome these feelings, it’s essential to prioritise mental wellbeing throughout this transitional phase. By acknowledging your emotions, seeking support, establishing routines and embracing continuous learning, you’ll begin to feel more confident and settled in your new role. Just by giving yourself time and being gentle with yourself, you’ll make crucial steps towards adapting to a new work environment.  

In a poll undertaken by Monster, it was found that some workers…

• feared they would lose their new job due to being underqualified
• had moments of regretting starting their new job
• felt imposter syndrome 

Acknowledge your feelings

 First and foremost, it’s important to recognise and acknowledge your feelings and emotions when you begin a new role. As well as adjusting to new routines and tasks, you’ll also find yourself among new work colleagues, and this alone can be daunting for some. Understand that it is normal to feel unsure or overwhelmed while navigating new challenges. Acknowledging these emotions allows you to address them head-on and seek methods of alleviating them.

 

Set realistic expectations

Often, the feeling of being lost stems from unrealistic expectations that we place upon ourselves. It is essential to set realistic expectations and give yourself time to adapt and learn. Remember, adjustment periods are necessary, and it is okay to make mistakes and seek guidance.

 

Ask for support

 One of the most valuable resources for starting a new job is seeking support from colleagues and supervisors. Don't hesitate to reach out and ask questions. Establishing connections and networking within your workplace will not only help you understand your job better but also make you feel more comfortable. Remember, everyone was once in a similar position, and people are generally willing to lend a helping hand.

 

Seek a mentor

Having a mentor can help you navigate the intricacies of your new job by offering advice and sharing their own experiences. Finding someone experienced in your field who can guide you through challenges and provide valuable insights can be immensely beneficial. 

 

Embrace continuous learning

Learning doesn't stop once you've landed a new job. Embrace a growth mindset and actively seek opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills. Attend workshops, seminars or enrol in training sessions offered by your company. By continuously learning and improving, you will gain confidence and feel more equipped to handle job-related challenges.

 

Develop a routine

Creating a routine for yourself in a new job can bring a sense of stability and familiarity. Establish a structured approach by organising your tasks, setting goals and prioritising your workload. A consistent routine will help you feel more in control and relieve any feelings of anxiety or fear.

 

Take breaks and practice self-care

Amidst the challenges of a new job, it’s important not to neglect selfcare. Taking regular breaks and engaging in activities that promote relaxation and self-rejuvenation can positively impact your mental wellbeing. Engage in hobbies, exercise regularly, practise mindfulness or simply spend time with loved ones. A rejuvenated mind will enable you to tackle professional challenges with more clarity and resilience.

 

Celebrate small achievements

It’s important to recognise and celebrate even the smallest accomplishments in your new job. Acknowledging your progress and achievements boosts confidence and provides validation for your efforts. Embrace small victories, whether it be successfully completing a task, receiving positive feedback or even overcoming a minor challenge. These achievements will fuel your motivation and help you to remain positive and focused. 

 

Ways to Overcome Perfectionism at Work

Many people see perfectionism as a way to be viewed as successful in their job, whether that’s through fear of seeming like a failure if everything doesn't go right first time or to gain respect from their peers. However, striving for perfectionism all the time can be extremely unhealthy for both your mental and physical health, depending on the job you do.

In many workplaces we are often criticised by colleagues or management for making mistakes as it can sometimes be costly and time consuming. This kind of relentless pressure can take its toll and can lead to mental health issues like anxiety, stress, and depression and can cause us to feel a lack of self worth. Not only this but striving for ongoing perfectionism can be exhausting.

Sadly, we live in a world where our lives are played out on social media and at the push of a button, we can remove our flaws and present an unrealistic impression of ourselves and our lives. Because we are continually being judged and scrutinised, we feel even more pressure to appear perfect in every way. Being at work is no different – we want to be perceived as a perfect human who succeeds in everything they do. But behind closed doors, we all know that this isn’t a realistic picture, and that can cause us to suffer from low self-esteem or even more serious mental health issues such as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) or eating disorders.

The impact of striving for perfectionism

Because we set unrealistic goals for ourselves, most of time to impress others, we are placing too much pressure on ourselves to be the best, to be respected, or to be admired and this is a recipe for unnecessary stress and anxiety. 

An article published by Healthline, states that "People [prone to] perfectionism hold themselves to impossibly high standards. They think what they do is never good enough. Some people mistakenly believe that perfectionism is a healthy motivator, but that’s not the case. Perfectionism can make you feel unhappy with your life. It can lead to depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and self-harm. Eventually, it can also lead you to stop trying to succeed. Even mild cases can interfere with your quality of life, affecting your personal relationships, education, or work.”

So how can we shift our focus from being perfect to being happy and fulfilled?

• Occupy your time with activities that make you feel happy to prevent overthinking outcomes at work.
• Make a conscious effort to enjoy the process of a task rather than just focusing on the results as this can increase your motivation and relieve some of the pressure.
• Try to let go of specific systems or routines that you might have put in place to ensure things are done a certain way and learn to be less rigid about structuring your work.
• Accept that you are human and it’s okay to be less than perfect as we all make mistakes sometimes.
• Instead of focusing on every little mistake, celebrate your successes instead.
• Stop comparing yourself to others, you are unique and will have different skills and qualities to others.

10 Habits of Successful People

Often when we see highly successful people who’ve risen to the top of their game, we assume they work much longer hours than other people, are mentally and physically exhausted, or compromise their personal life for their job. But that isn’t always the case.

If you want to become a high achiever but don’t want to put yourself at risk of too much stress and anxiety, here are a few tips on how to be successful while maintaining a healthy body and mind.

1. Keep fit and healthy

First and foremost, your wellbeing is of primary importance. Success just isn’t worth putting your health on the line. Regular exercise and a healthy diet not only benefit your physical wellbeing but also your mental health. In 2021 a mental health report published by the John W. Brick Foundation found that physical activity was closely linked to better mental health. The top three forms of exercise included general physical activity, yoga and cardiovascular activity. Good physical health and a nutritious diet reduces symptoms of depression and helps fight stress and anxiety, making you more equipped to deal with challenges.

2. Cut out the social media

Unless it’s work related, you won’t find many highly successful people spending hour upon hour scrolling through Facebook or Instagram. If you totalled up all the hours you spend on your phone each day, just think how much extra time you would have on your hands. Whether you use that time to keep on top of your work or complete other activities mentioned in this post, that’s a whole lot of time you can spend on being more productive.

3. Maintain routines

Having a routine on working days can be beneficial in so many ways. Getting into regular sleep patterns, making time for breakfast or committing to set times when you exercise will mentally and physically prepare you for the day ahead. But it’s also important to take a break from routine to recharge your batteries, so make sure you set aside some time each week for doing the things that you love.

4. Multi-task

While not everyone has the ability to successfully multi-task, it’s a great way to squeeze more into your day. Perhaps if you walk to work as part of your exercise routine, make important calls before you reach the workplace, or continue with a piece of work while listening to 'hold' music on a call.

5. Be organised

Two of the best ways to stay organised and keep ahead of the game are by always having an up to date 'to-do' list and making sure you put reminders in your calendar for everything! You’re unlikely to find any really successful person without a calendar and 'to-do' list, but even more importantly, they use them all the time.

6. Take risks

In any aspect of life, not just at work, taking risks is the best way to get ahead. You won’t find many high achievers that haven’t taken a leap of faith or failed at least several times at something before they finally succeeded. Although it appears daunting at first, the more times you take risks and fail, the more chance you’ll have of succeeding in the long term.

7. Become more resilient

It’s likely you’ve seen many quotes related to failure being the key to success. This is because it often takes many attempts at something before you achieve your goal. As long as you bear this in mind whenever you fail at something, you’ll gradually become more resilient and more determined to succeed.

8. Keep a positive attitude

Remaining positive isn’t always easy especially when faced with difficult challenges. But by keeping a positive mental attitude throughout, regardless of the pitfalls, you’ll have greater strength to reach your goals.

9. Network

Although networking is extremely useful in generating business, it’s also important for creating relationships that can strengthen your character. By connecting with other successful people, you can become more confident and increase your self-esteem, which will encourage you to take risks and inspire you to aim higher.

10. Be grateful

Possibly one of the most important tips of all is to be grateful for everything in your life. Gratitude is strongly associated with happiness and creates positive emotions that help deal with stress, improve mental and physical health and help you work towards your goals.

The Pros and Cons of Workplace Competition

Whether it’s to gain recognition, promotion, pay rise or work-related bonuses, competition in the workplace is almost inevitable. While for some, competition may arouse excitement, for others it can be a source of stress and anxiety. Depending on the individual, this can cause people to act in different ways. In an article published by Harvard Business Review, the research says that “when employees feel excited, they’re more likely to come up with creative solutions. When they feel anxious, they’re more likely to cut corners or sabotage one another.”

The Pros

Competition in the workplace can provide many material benefits to employees as well as having a positive impact on mental wellbeing. However, this is dependent on how the individual feels about it – do they see this as additional pressure or an opportunity to prove themselves in their role? For those who feel excited about the challenge, they may benefit from the following:

• Sense of achievement
• Increased self-confidence
• Pay increases and performance-related bonuses
• Promotion
• Respect from colleagues and management
• Increased motivation
• Improved mood
• Increased creativity

The Cons

Not all employees are going to thrive on being competitive and it could have a detrimental effect on their wellbeing. These are some of the disadvantages that certain individuals might experience:

• Increased stress and anxiety
• Lack of motivation
• Decreased self-confidence and self-esteem
• Unhealthy relationships with colleagues 
• Fear of failure 

10 ways to create healthy competition

To ensure that all employees can take part in healthy workplace competition without it having a negative effect on their wellbeing it’s important to do the following:

1. Make sure that employees understand what healthy competition means by offering reassurance that they will be given help to succeed and not threatened by ridicule or, even worse, job losses. 
2. Ask employees what would motivate them and offer rewards that are meaningful to them.
3. Put competition rules in place that prevent any negative behaviour such as ridicule, underhand tactics, or workplace bullying.
4. Employ management that can lead by example and demonstrate principles that promote healthy competition.
5. Recognise employees’ efforts as well as achievements as this will help maintain motivation.
6. Involve employees when setting personal achievements and agree beforehand what they should be.
7. Practice clear communication at all times and offer help when it’s needed. 
8. Hold regular performance reviews with constructive feedback as this will maintain motivation levels and promote trust.
9.  Run team building activities inside and outside of the workplace. This will strengthen bonds between employees and help prevent any animosity.
10. Encourage open discussions where employees can air their thoughts in a non-threatening environment. In a study by Gallop, it revealed that open discussions are the best way to resolve any conflicts and reduce stress and anxiety about the competition. According to the study, when employees believe that their opinion matters, it increases productivity and decreases turnover rates. 

Imposter syndrome and the pitfalls of faking it ‘til you make it

Imposter syndrome, the feeling that you’re not good enough and that you’ve reached where you are by chance, is often experienced by people in the workplace. Perhaps you believe you’re a fraud and are afraid you’re going to be caught out and even lose your job. Maybe you’ve just started a new job or you’ve been given a promotion at your present place of work but you’re worried that you won’t be able to do the job properly.

Imposter syndrome can arouse a range of negative thoughts and emotions such as a lack of self-confidence, anxiety, stress and even depression if it isn’t nipped in the bud. These kinds of emotions can play havoc with your mental and physical wellbeing and can lead to more serious, long-term illness.

You’ve probably heard the term 'faking it ‘til you make it' which many people refer to when they are feeling out of their depth in their job. Although there are occasions when it’s good to remain positive, putting yourself through intense situations that you feel you’re unprepared for can be a detrimental tactic that will lead to trouble in the long run.

Why faking it is a poor option

If you constantly suffer in silence and pretend that you’re coping when you’re not, there’s a good chance you’ll start making mistakes at work. Not only can a lack of sleep due to severe stress and anxiety play a part in your downfall but you could end up destroying relationships with colleagues who might begin to resent you for not doing the job properly.

How to deal with imposter syndrome

There are ways, however, that you can overcome the debilitating effects of imposter syndrome and even become confident in your role.

It’s inevitable when starting a new job that there are going to be learning curves and it’s likely that your boss will be aware of this. Firstly, admit to yourself that you’re struggling before you admit this to your boss. What’s worse, having a slightly bruised ego or continuing along your present path of mental suffering? Before you speak to your boss, identify the main problems you’re having and try to think of a solution.

Maybe there’s one particular area that’s causing you the most stress so suggest to your boss that they give you extra training or sign you up for a course. You’ll probably be pleasantly surprised at how your boss handles the situation and they might even suggest alternative solutions before you do. Management at work have a duty to look after their staff’s mental wellbeing so they should be approachable and understanding. Just imagine the weight that will be lifted once you get your concerns off your chest, and that alone could save you many sleepless nights and anxiety.

Once you’re in a better place emotionally and mentally, you’ll find that other tasks you were struggling with become a little easier because you feel more confident and are focusing more clearly.

According to studies by the American Psychological Association, seven out of ten people suffer from imposter syndrome. Remember that imposter syndrome is more common than you think, and you are not alone in believing that you’re a fake.

Inspiring your workforce

There’s no question this past year has been a tough one, leaving many of us feeling anxious, stressed and suffering from depression. It’s no surprise that motivation levels may have fallen through the floor, but what can you do to inspire and motivate your workforce?

It’s most likely your employees won’t thank you for toughening targets and deadlines, yet for your business to succeed, you still need to see a certain level of achievement from your team. Some of your employees might be working from home while some might still be furloughed but there are ways to inspire them without being insensitive to their current situation.

More than anything, most people need to feel valued so by taking a few steps to show your appreciation for the work they do, you can instil a more positive attitude and enhanced wellbeing.

Show appreciation

You don’t have to spend the entire company budget, just a small gesture such as an email or letter thanking your team for their contributions can have a positive effect. Make sure each message is personal and relates to their individual performance rather than the company as a whole.

Equip your team

If you have staff that work from home, ensure they have all the equipment they need to perform their job to the best of their ability. Trying to work with inadequate equipment can increase stress levels and decrease motivation.

Encourage personal interaction

Stay engaged with your employees and encourage them to interact with one another so that they continue to make social connections. It doesn’t always have to be work related either; a monthly online quiz or catch-up chat via video calls can uplift peoples’ spirits and make them feel valued.

Be genuinely caring

Have regular one-to-one chats with your team to check in on their mental health. Knowing that your boss sincerely cares about your wellbeing is one of the greatest motivators and is much more likely to inspire you than being reprimanded for any under-performance.

Be a motivational teacher 

Successful leaders lead by example so it’s equally as important to look after your own mental health in order to teach and inspire without lecturing.

Listen to your employees

Take on board what your employees have to say. If they have ideas for their role or the company, consider how you can help implement them and don’t dismiss them before you’ve even taken the time to consider them properly.

Utilise the talents and skills of your team

By allowing someone to play to their strengths, they will more likely want to prove their abilities and work harder to succeed. It might be the case that you allocate tasks they wouldn’t normally undertake, but this can inspire personal growth and you might just find that their skills are better placed elsewhere in the company.

Nurture don’t micro-manage

The moment an employee feels that their every move is being scrutinised, they’ll start to feel under pressure and afraid to take risks. By giving staff the freedom to take control and accountability for the work they do, they will grow in confidence and want to step up to the mark.


For more information on how to inspire your workforce, check out this handy study and guide from Motivates.

Working with ADHD

Without the appropriate adjustments and strategies, work can soon turn into a nightmare for those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However, with the right tools and support, people with ADHD can use their traits to their advantage and become happier employees.

How can ADHD affect people in the workplace?

It’s important to note that everyone with ADHD is different and will have different experiences of things. However, in their guide for employers, the Scottish ADHD Coalition asserts that there are both benefits and potential difficulties to presenting with ADHD.

Benefits include:

• Attention to detail
• Spontaneity and flexibility
• Being motivated by shorter deadlines
• Being extremely focused on tasks they are particularly interested in
• Having boundless energy

The difficulties associated with ADHD are found within the symptoms, which are:

• Lack of organisation
• Being easily distracted
• Concentration difficulties
• Impulsiveness – acting without thinking
• Hyperactivity – although adults are usually less active than children with ADHD

This is by no means a definitive list of symptoms, and people with ADHD may experience some, or all of these symptoms.

What causes the symptoms of ADHD?

ADHD can exist as a condition on its own, but more often than not, it presents alongside other conditions. These include autism, dyslexia and dyspraxia. The ADHD Foundation describes the condition as “... A neurodevelopmental condition affecting brain structure and neurotransmission”. Simply put, this means that a person with ADHD processes information differently and that different areas of the brain are stimulated when this information is processed.

How can employers support staff with ADHD at work?

Besides it being a legal requirement for employers to recognise ADHD as a disability under the 2010 Disability Act, it is sensible for an employer to learn how to support their employee to ensure they are happy and productive.

Some steps to supporting staff with ADHD include:

• Researching ADHD so you have a better understanding. 
• Having conversations with the individual – they will undoubtedly have insight into their condition which can help you put measures into place to support them.
• Agreeing to flexible start and finish times to avoid your employee being punished if they can’t stick to specific times.
• Using visual prompts such as calendars and charts for upcoming tasks and the order they need to be done.
• Installing larger or duplicate screens, if working with computers, so information can be clearly seen without the need to memorise lots of information.
• Providing instructions in written form rather than verbal.
• Allowing for regular breaks, especially during long meetings.
• Offering your employee regular review meetings and the opportunity to discuss their needs when required.
• As those with ADHD can be easily distracted, provide a private work area if possible, with as little noise and unnecessary visual distractions as possible. If this is not possible in your line of work, headphones or earplugs could be beneficial.

How do I approach my employer about ADHD support in the workplace?

If you are starting a new job, or you aren’t receiving the support required, approach the matter with your manager or employer as soon as possible. You may already know what kind of support you need such as being permitted to wear headphones, or to take regular breaks to stretch and walk around. If not, do your homework so you can explain to your employer what you require and what information you have found on how this could be implemented. Your employer should be aware of their responsibilities, but if they aren’t, then they need to act upon them as soon as they do become aware. Show them the Employer's guide to ADHD produced by the Scottish ADHD Coalition as this may help them understand what they can do to support you at work. 

Read the Scottish ADHD Coalition's 'Employer's guide to ADHD' >

Visit the Scottish ADHD Coalition website >

Supercharge your performance at work

Whether you’ve just started a new job, or you’ve been in the same one for a long time, there'll be times when you feel lacking in motivation or you’re not achieving your goals. This can have a negative impact on how you feel about yourself, therefore, affecting your wellbeing. Ongoing stress or feelings of inadequacy can leave us feeling tired, anxious and even depressed.

Ways to supercharge your performance

So, what can we do to get our spark back and find the motivation to do better at work?

Listen to music

Many places of work allow their employees to listen to music either in the place of work or through headphones. Research undertaken by the National Centre for Biotechnology Information has demonstrated that instrumental music can improve your attention and increase productivity.

Stay healthy

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that eating healthily and keeping physically fit helps our bodies and minds deal with stress better. There are certain types of foods that can improve our focus and boost our mental energy. Water, fish, seeds, berries and vegetables are great brain foods which will aid concentration.

Get plenty of sleep

Although it might be tempting to get as much sleep as you can, too much sleep can almost be as detrimental to our health as not getting enough sleep. It’s important that we do get quality sleep though, so there are a few measures you can take to help with getting a good night’s sleep:

Make sure your bedroom is dark at night.

• Don’t drink too much before bedtime.
• Don’t watch television or look at a screen for an hour before you go to bed.
• Go to bed at a reasonable time and try to get between 7 and 9 hours sleep a night.

Keep learning

No matter how experienced or knowledgeable you are in your line of work, there is always something new to learn. Many employers will pay for staff training so long as it is beneficial for your job, so consider a course that will add to your skillset and knowledge.

Visualisation

This is a great way to focus and help you achieve your goals at work. Whenever you visualise situations with positive outcomes, you're creating neural pathways in your brain that will help you achieve your goals in the future. Find out more about the impact of visualisation on the brain in this study by the National Centre for Biotechnology Information.

Meditation

Practising meditation daily, either at home or in your lunch break at work, can increase levels of concentration which, in turn, will make us much more productive in the workplace. Meditation can also help us cope better with stressful situations, so we worry less and become happier, therefore improving our working relationships with others.

Ten ways to motivate staff

One of the most important aspects of managing a business is keeping your staff motivated, particularly at the moment. Without motivation, the work environment (whether real or virtual) will soon become toxic and employees’ wellbeing will be affected. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that if your staff are feeling unappreciated, stressed and unhappy, they are less likely to perform to their full potential and you risk losing much-needed employees.

Gallup conducted research into performance management and found that “only 2 in 10 employees strongly agree that their performance is managed in a way that motivates them to do outstanding work”. With this in mind, there are many opportunities for employers to introduce ways to motivate their staff.

Many of us don’t just want to earn a living, we want personal development, appreciation, respect, rewards and, most of all, we want to be happy. By putting the following ideas into practice, you can inspire and motivate employees to work harder, which will then create a happier and more productive workplace.

Ideas for motivating staff

1. Use incentives to encourage staff to hit their targets, such as bonuses, gift cards, or an early finish.
2. Provide positive feedback on a regular basis either in the form of a monthly appraisal, personal email or recognition in a staff meeting.
3. Ensure your employees have the proper equipment they need in order to do their job to the best of their ability and with ease. There’s nothing more frustrating than a slow PC or faulty machinery. 
4. Run an 'Employee of the Month' scheme and perhaps create a wall of fame where the best performing staff will gain recognition among their colleagues.
5. When normality resumes, organise social activities such as bowling, a day at the races or a work’s party. But in the meantime, you can organise online social activities such as an online quiz or a virtual group run. It’s important for people to feel included and part of a team to create a positive environment.
6. Offer flexible working hours or allow staff to continue working from home from time to time if they have other responsibilities such as caring for children or an elderly parent.
7. While dressing up may be appealing as an alternative at the moment, Dress Down Friday is a fun way to end the week and a slightly earlier finish to the working day always seems to go down well with employees. However make sure people know if there are any rules about how they should dress, otherwise suddenly telling staff that they're not allowed to wear jeans, for example, may make people unhappy to participate. 
8. Brighten up the workplace with a fresh coat of paint, leafy plants or vibrant artwork. A study by the University of Massachusetts revealed that art in the workplace can reduce stress, increase creativity and productivity, and enhance morale.
9. Offer staff training and room for growth in the company. If an employee is able to work towards a promotion with an increased salary through personal development, they are much more likely to feel motivated and work harder to achieve a goal that is in sight.
10. Provide free healthy snacks and drinks such as fresh fruit, herbal teas and purified water. Healthy food and hydration can increase energy levels, improve mood and keep the brain alert.

How to prevent workplace bullying

Unfortunately, bullying isn’t just something we experience at school or when we’re younger, it can continue into adult life. Workplace bullying is far more commonplace than you might expect.

What is bullying?

So, what constitutes bullying and how can we recognise it?

• Gossiping – talking negatively behind someone’s back, spreading malicious rumours or trying to turn others against someone are bullying tactics that can cause problems in the workplace.
• Exclusion – If you are being excluded from certain activities in or outside of the workplace, such as lunchtime gatherings and social events, this can leave you wondering whether you're disliked and whether you have done something to upset people.
• Unreasonable criticism – There will be times for most of us when we don’t get things quite right and we may be criticised for our work or behaviour, but when you feel as though the criticism is unjust or becoming a regular occurrence, you could be experiencing bullying tactics.
• Abusive language – If someone uses abusive or offensive language towards you, this can be extremely upsetting. Whether it’s directed at you because of your race, religion or sexual orientation, this is unacceptable behaviour that needs addressing. 
• Sabotage – Very often, a workplace bully will do everything in their power to sabotage your work and reputation. Perhaps they have taken credit for a successful task you have completed, or maybe they put the blame on you to cover up their own mistakes.

Effects of bullying

Bullying can have serious, detrimental affects on our mental and physical health if it isn’t nipped in the bud. As well as causing low self-esteem, disturbed sleep patterns, anger, lack of concentration, and a feeling of helplessness, the physical symptoms can be quite traumatic. When we undergo a large amount of stress for long periods of time, our bodies react and you could experience high blood pressure, panic attacks and ulcers.

Whether it’s yourself or someone else that is being bullied, this can also have a negative effect on the workplace so it’s important for employers and employees to recognise when it’s happening. Working in a toxic and hostile environment is unpleasant for everyone and can have knock-on effects for the whole workforce. It can cause a drop in productivity, a rise in absenteeism, low retention and high staff turnover, if bullying isn’t dealt with appropriately, it can result in legal issues.

Reasons for bullying

More often than not, bullies are lacking in self-esteem and feel the need to bring others down in order to build themselves up. Maybe they are jealous of your position at work, your relationships, how much you earn, your intelligence or even your appearance.

If bullies feel inferior or see someone as a threat, they use bullying tactics so that they can feel in control and gain recognition.

How to deal with workplace bullies

• Speak up – Try to speak to the bully in a calm manner. Be aware of your body language and tone of voice so that you don’t appear threatening or intimidating. Keep eye contact, a relaxed posture and explain why their behaviour is causing a problem. Sometimes, bullies aren’t conscious of their behaviour and when confronted, they might just take on board your concerns.
• Speak with someone in authority – Discuss the situation with your boss, or if it’s your boss that’s displaying the signs of a bully, then speak with someone higher up or in HR. Before you do speak to someone, keep a record of the times, dates and events of the bullying.
• Seek support – Spend time with close friends and family and talk to them about what you’re going through as they can offer support and reassurance that will boost your self-esteem. 
• Look for another job – This isn’t the most ideal outcome but if you have taken action and done all of the above but the bullying continues and your mental and physical health is suffering because of it, perhaps finding another place of work is the only other option that remains. 

If you or someone else is being bullied in the workplace, the website GOV.UK offers helpful advice. Alternatively, speak with ACAS on 0300 123 1100 or read their advice leaflet.