What to do when you’re bullied at the workplace

April 19, 2025•2 min read

Several months ago, I was (yet again) working with a client who was affected by serious bullying at the workplace. She was frustrated because she felt disrespected, like her contribution was not valued enough, and she was not taken seriously, despite her high level of commitment and performance. This affected her so deeply that she was considering leaving a job she otherwise loved.

Then she said something interesting: “I had a similar experience at my previous job.”

As we talked more about her experiences, it started sounding a bit more like a pattern.

So, while a lack of respect is unacceptable and must be addressed, sometimes a change in someone else’s behavior starts with us. After all, these people may not treat everyone the way they treat us.

Here are some steps to take when you are disrespected or even bullied at work:

1. Observe if it’s mainly you this person treats disrespectfully or if it’s “who they are” (which would make their behavior a part of their character).

2. If it’s everyone, then do your best to not take it personally.

3. If it’s mainly you, then start by examining what could cause this behavior in the other person. Is it a bias? Is it something you can influence?

4. Experiment with different approaches, e.g., use different language, ask questions, have a conversation where you address the issue directly. The best approach will depend on the specific situation.

5. Establish boundaries and be consistent with them: Don’t let things slip.

6. When you experience an issue, get it while it’s still hot, but always use emotional intelligence. Exploding like a pressure cooker will not serve you. Calmness beats disrespect.

7. If none of these approaches work, get help. Turn to someone you trust, like your manager, a mentor, or a coach, to resolve the situation once and for all.

If you have been bullied at different companies, then leaving the job for a new one may not be the solution, as the pattern may repeat itself if you do not get to the root of it, learn to stand up for yourself and set boundaries.

Email me if you need support with bullying.

Regina Huber

As the CEO of TRANSFORM YOUR PERFORMANCE, Regina Huber drives bold, heart-centered leadership. She helps her clients accelerate their careers and become thriving leaders by leveling up their leadership of self & others. Her eclectic experience on five continents started in Germany and includes leadership roles at BCG as well as ownership of businesses in Argentina, Brazil, and the U.S. This experience shaped her into a multicultural Transformational Leadership Coach, International Inspirational Speaker, and Author of Speak up, Stand out and Shine. She created five signature coaching frameworks and is the host of RISE TO LEAD Podcast. She also co-authored three other books and speaks five languages. Over the years, she has spoken at events and taught workshops in the U.S., Africa, Latin America, Asia/Middle East, and Australia. For several years, she was an active Member of the Leadership Team of the Financial Women’s Association (FWA), where she co-chaired two committees, and she has collaborated with numerous organizations in Africa. She is a Member of Innovation Women. She was also the host of the What’s Your Spark TV show. She has a passion for travel, adventure, and dance.

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