To report a nasty clique of bullies at work

[Olive180]

There are 3 staff members at my work (all late 40s/early 50s) who seem to have developed a nasty, bitchy little clique over the past year or so. They are openly sassy and critical towards people they don't like in meetings or when working with them. They'll take any opportunity to make a comment to put someone down. And the only topic of conversation is being unkind and mocking about other staff.

How would you deal with people like this in the workplace? Aibu to raise it as a concern with someone? Or do I just stick my head in the sand and completely avoid this lot the best I can? It's a large civil service department for context, and considering the nature of the work we do, I'm shocked these people can be so nasty.

Side question, why are people so nasty?

YANBU

Write down specific examples, dates, times etc to support your complaint

Are no line managers present to see this?

You can’t be the only person seeing this? Isn’t there managers or other employees?

have you been on the receiving end?

Hi Olive yes did temping. Plenty of nasty cliques. Grown women so mean! Used eat lunch alone. Maybe say to your Manager.

Would raise it if there's no one from management involved in the clique. You'll need to collect specific examples of these incidents.

Yes I've seen this and been a victim of it in the past and it's ALWAYS women. Never men!!

My experience is it can be women or men. In my last but one place of work, there were male bitches

Not much to say but my experience is it’s nearly always true when someone suspects or perceived bulling.

I'm sorry you're having to deal with these unprofessional people! If it is affecting others it would be best to speak to your manager. If they fail to do anything, HR is a good route. Hopefully they will be knocked down a peg or two. It happens all the time in the company I work for and it's caused a lot of mental health issues for the staff they target and some have left. It's highly unfair for them to have to deal with grown adults acting in such a horrible manner.
Hope things get easier for you 🤞 and good luck. Xo

Cobblers. Internalised misogyny.

Are their line managers approachable?