To think there's no place for bullying in the workplace

[BitGutted]

So I started a new role within my organisation in September and there's a woman at work (not in my department but one we have close dealings with) who is trying to bully me.
She tried to drop me in it with my manager on several occasions, comments on my emails and work and makes snide comments and is generally unpleasant towards me to the point of "I suppose you're off next week have you got cover for your work" (not my job and there is no cover!!) as my work affects hers

It's a very stressful job as it is and this really isn't helping

DP says if it's awful I can just leave but I feel like that's letting her get away with it.

Line manager (admin role so different to manager in PA for) is lovely but she likes this woman so really don't know what to do.

I've come home tonight and just burst into tears and I don't want to go in tomorrow if I'm honest

I'm off next week as it's half term so my partner has just suggested trying to eek out this week (keep a low profile from her!!) and then have a break from it all and then maybe start afresh after half term but she's just so horrible I just don't feel like doing that and I feel like I'm going to be physically sick 🤢 I'm so stressed

It's a shame as the girls I sit with are lovely and I like the work but this woman is making it totally unbearable.

I'm thinking of reporting it to HR but the way I'm feeling I just want out if I'm honest, the thought of sitting thru hearings etc just sounds awful

Totally unacceptable of her and I’d suggest you nip in the bud now before it gets worse. Life is too hard everywhere else other than work to be having to deal with shit at work too!

Either approach her yourself, if she’s being tell her directly she’s being rude or untowards, I’m guessing she won’t expect to be confronted and see if she backs off. If not, Line manager first, and then HR if it progresses.

I don’t really understand what your line manager’s feelings about this woman have to do with it...in the first instance, you need to arrange a private meeting with your manager and explain your concerns. I assume you’ve kept evidence of any of these comments that are on email? Anything verbal, I would keep a log. Present these to your manager and ask for her comments.

It could just be a clash of personalities and I think you need to try and deal with it informally through management channels before you start involving HR. And I certainly think to just pack a job in without trying to solve the problem first isn’t an idea solution.

Definitely agree with the above. Keep a log. Of everything.
This is totally unacceptable. If you’re like me and hate confrontation, you probably wouldn’t be able to confront her with it, but I would definitely bring it up with your line manager.
I have been keeping a log for a while now. Not really bullying but speaking to me like shit in an aggressive, nasty manner. I brought this to the attention of a manager last week and she has been told if it happens again, she’s going down the disciplinary route. I’ve still to keep a log and make a note of any other instances.
You don’t go to work for that OP. Good luck x

She sounds very unpleasant and a prickly character to work with, but unless there’s more examples you didn’t mention that are way worse, I wouldn’t call that bullying.

It doesn’t matter whatever it’s called though, if it’s to the point you cry when you go home, I think you should raise it.

Play the long game. It doesn't take long to prove yourself if you're doing a good job.

Keep a log of everything untoward she says to you. Stay professional, matter-of-fact and distant when you speak to her (the grey rock treatment tends to work with these people as it makes them realise you’re not going to participate in their sad little games). Tell your line manager you have concerns and that you do not expect this behaviour in a professional environment - make it clear you’re setting firm boundaries about what you will and will not tolerate. Familiarise yourself with your employer’s harassment policy. Join a union if you haven’t already. Focus on doing your job well. Good luck and don’t let the bastards grind you down

Having been through something similar:

1. Keep a diary. Note every micro aggression and every negative comment.
2. Email her whenever either of the above occurs on the basis that you just want to understand exactly that she said / meant. Copy someone else in if you can.
3. Good luck. Do not back down. 💪💪💪

These people should always be called out on their behaviour.

Oh yes - definitely join a union if you haven't already!