Obviously there's an issue but what?

[Haveipeedontheircornflakes]

I'm on leave at the moment, returning in a few months. I've had a few meetings recently unrelated to my leave.

Each time I have been in and waiting at reception 50% staff acknowledged me, 50% blank me when they previously would have said hello or at least nodded a head. It's always the same people. It definitely isn't because their busy, they acknowledge others sitting or working in the area.

1 particular person works alongside my department so really "should " make a formal if not fake interest/hello/courtesy nod of the head. This person (man) historically has ostracised me within the department.

Anyone had this before? Anyone know how I should deal with it when I return. I guess it would be a form of bullying being given such a cold shoulder when everyone else in the department isn't given one equally.

I don't need to have a buddy buddy relationship but it does irk me that something obviously isn't right and I'd like to know why at least?

That's just plain weird and rude!
Have you done anything to them?
Why are you having meetings unrelated to your leave? Could it about that?
Even if, its still rude!

One was an interview the other career progress related, initiated by me. I've done NOTHING to them.

I think you just have to see how the land lies when you return to work. Often out of sight = out of mind and they just didn't register you. Not ideal but it could be as simple as this.

Each time I have been in and waiting at reception 50% staff acknowledged me, 50% blank me when they previously would have said hello or at least nodded a head.

in isolation I don’t think this is bullying. Ultimately everyone has their own lives to lead, both inside and outside of work. The longer you spend away from work, the more forgettable you are and the more colleagues will adjust to life without your presence. It’s shit but you kind of have become irrelevant and things may have moved on since you left. I also think it goes both ways, you have been off but it’s not their responsibility to be the first to say hello or start a conversation. You can meet them halfway.

1 particular person works alongside my department so really "should " make a formal if not fake interest/hello/courtesy nod of the head.

I mean, you two aren’t friends and don’t get along, in those situations it’s best to be civil and only speak when necessary. I think I’d rather not have someone pretend to show an interest in me and would prefer to chat about work only. If there’s nothing to say, I wouldn’t be offended by someone like that not saying anything to me. Focus on the people that like you and you can deal with him when you return.

I don’t think you’ve done anything wrong to them, but also that they aren’t purposely being malicious. They’re probably being absent minded vs having a grudge against you. Aside from the other guy that works alongside your department.

I think when you return to work, let bygones be bygones and act like nothing has happened and see how they react

Thanks. Yeah I wouldn't call 50% ignoring me bullying...just that 1 man continuously ostracising me is what I'd call "mild" bullying....nothing to run to HR about, it's very petty immature of him, it just gets to me which makes it therefore bullying as its upsetting.

What kind of things has he done to you in the past? Maybe you can put a grievance in with everything combined

Are you on maternity leave? Some people can be shitty with colleagues on maternity leave if they apply for a new role / career progression. In an old workplace I heard bitchy comments about colleagues who had received pay increases or been promoted during their maternity leave - it's not nice but it does happen.