Trigger Warning - Workplace Bullying

I distinctly remember the initial days when I was recently shifted to the department that I'm passionate about. So, naturally, I had numerous ideas to help grow the organization's presence and improve its credibility on digital platforms.

It was just a few days that I had begun working in this particular domain, I was asked to draft a brief social media post to promote the upcoming event. I did some brainstorming and presented two drafts, backed up with data and extensive research. Since I was told that it needed to be done on priority, I ensured to deliver on the same day by staying up late. But in a few days, I figured out that it was not an urgent task, and most importantly, my work was presented as their work to the decision-maker of the organization. I was nowhere in the picture. On confronting about the same, I was told that my draft was crap and it's been rejected. I saw the draft posted on the organization's social media platform in a few weeks. I confronted again but I was again told that I was underqualified for that position, and because of someone's admiration towards me, I got the departmental change. I could not take it, so I counter-spoke with valid points. But again, it backfired on me as they were six people and I was alone. And it all began. I was overburdened with work and was asked to stay up late, there used to be edits in all of my drafts and I understood that all of it was intentional. I was often humiliated in front of other people and they rumored about me, saying that I had a 'Mental Condition' that's why I could not perform well at work. Everyone started looking at me differently, and I could sense that during lunch breaks or while having a normal conversation with colleagues. I used to cry to bed every night and wished to find another job at the earliest to get out of this place. One day, I tried talking about the whole incident to my father, but he said right away that there is no need to work and I should sit at home rather than facing all this humiliation. I understand that it was his concern for me, but that day I decided I will never share my workplace things with him, and I would deal with it on my own.

The bullying didn't stop, rather they began to 'discuss' my personal life, my dressing, my parents, their teachings, and they even gave me a pseudo name. I understood this was all because I wrote a mail to the concerning department and raised my voice. Fortunately, I was provided support from the organization and I was soon shifted to another department where I was genuinely happy working. But it took me months to get back to my normal self.

As per a report published by 'The Times of India,' around 75% of Indians are bullied at the workplace. Bullies are those individuals who find the other person threatening to their position as they are rarely skilled, not proficient, and are constantly insecure of their position.?

Even today, when I think about those three months, I feel weak, dark, and helpless. That was the time when my confidence dropped down to minus ten, and I doubted my skills because of constant emotional, mental harassment and increased workload.

I strongly feel that it's high time that every organization should recognize such bullies and take stringent action against them. The victims should be encouraged to come out and report such incidents. Additionally, the system should protect them from these bullies because they will always find ways to harass the victim. It's not easy at all to stand up and speak.?Speaking from personal experience.

If you are on the other side, don’t silence yourself, don’t let it continue, and put your health in danger. There are hundreds of jobs waiting for skilled and kind individuals. Money can be made, but if you lose your confidence and power, it will take you nowhere than six months to a year to get back to your normal self. And that's the only loss.

Please take care of yourself well.????