Bullied and excluded at work

[WaterLilly42]

Hello, just looking for some advice or to just get this off my chest as I've been feeling really down about my work situation.

I'm really happy with the job itself and am lucky to be able to work part time to fit around childcare, but am really struggling with the office environment. I've found it really unfriendly over the past couple of years, a few girls I sit near have made me feel really uncomfortable by excluding me and one in particular will make sly bitchy comments, but nothing that would get her in trouble if you see what I mean. it's been making me feel very down but I don't feel I can give up the job as it pays well for a nice easy office job.

Reading this back it all sounds very silly and like being back at school. I wish I had a stronger personality and ignore all this crap but I'm a sensitive soul which makes me a target to these people.

Should I confront her asking if I've offended her so then atleast it's out in the open and it might clear the air a bit?, leave and find another job and hope I have nicer colleagues? Or just keep the peace, try to ignore and get on with it?

Thanks for reading.

Hello water Lily - I hope your ok. Personally, I would speak to your HR manager - discuss exactly what you have here and ask if there is anything that can be done to make your working environment better - it's impacting your mental health, so they should see a duty of care (if they're a decent employer) something as simple as a change of desks may make all the difference. I'd like to say confront the women - but, I doubt that it'd make your work life any easier - they'd probably feel disgruntled at the fact you have a voice and will use it. Bullies don't tend to like to be called on their sh*t, so just leave them in the background where they belong.
That would be my first approach, and see if anything comes of it. If not, search for something else whilst your still in employment - there are sure to be some great offices to work in!

Hope you get it sorted soon x

Thank you so much for your reply @harrow92 that's very kind of you. Yes I think I will start looking for something else and hopefully find a nicer working environment.

Hope you have a good day x

Unless you have concrete examples of workplace bullying, rather than just not getting on with colleagues, then HR can't do anything.
(I'm not minimising your experience, but as a manager, I've had a few "the 3 at my desk go out together on a Friday night and don't invite me" scenarios- it's horrible, but it's nothing to do with the job unfortunately, and as you say, it just sounds like playground stuff)

If there are real examples of bullying happening - then take them to HR.

I'd maybe speak to them anyway and ask if there's the possibility of a move to a different environment within the company? You shouldn't feel uncomfortable, and you shouldn't want to leave a job you love because of people being nasty.