Is this bullying?

[Corporatepreggolady]

Hello all! I've posted about my new boss before, and now I'm wondering if this is actually de facto bullying. Basically, I'd like to raise a case but only if it's watertight. Huge global org for context.

Things she does:

• nitpick: makes a very minor issue out to be a major problem, even though there are no repercussions for the team or business
• bitch: has made comments to others on the team (colleagues, not line mgmt) "CorporatePreggo isn't a team player" and "I've had to put CorporatePreggo in her place a few times". To my face, it's all good performance reviews etc.
• vague, threatening language: "you will need to work more hours" (than my contracted 9-5? 🤨 Okay, when?), "they are tracking everything" (who is they? What are they tracking? Assume she means keystrokes etc)
• monitoring: will email you if you're 'away' on Teams. Today she was messaging me at lunch asking why I was offline.

There's more, such as not responding to requests for time out for appointments etc. But those are the biggies. Thoughts?

Bullying can often be about a pattern of low-level aggressions over a period of time, so I would suggest keeping a record of these incidents. She certainly shouldn't be criticising your performance to your peers - performance discussions should be confidential. Have you considered ways to escalate your concerns - I assume you must have a process/bullying policy if this is a global corp?

Thank you! Yes I agree. I have been documenting basically since day once, so nearly a year of similar things.

I believe the next step would be to go to HR. I guess if I shout "bullying" that's one specific pathway (investigation). If I say "please let's adjust working style" that's another (remediation). Bit of a guess.

HR in a large organisation should be able to advise you on what the most appropriate next step is. If you raise a grievance, they might well suggest mediation as a first step to resolve the issues; it really depends whether you think the situation is salvageable or whether it's gone beyond the stage where you could comfortably work under this manager, even if she changed her style.

Just noticing your username - are you currently pregnant, by any chance, and if so, do you think this could be linked to the bullying? If so, this is something you should mention to HR as your pregnancy is a protected characteristic.

The way I would handle it is arrange a meeting with her and bring up your observations and explain how they make you feel. Ask her what she means about doing further hours and who is monitoring you. I would speak to her about further training or clarify anything with her.

Try and come to a resolution. Then see how it goes. If she continues with her behaviour then take the next step in the process. The process will be in your employee handbook.

I would phone ACAS or speak to your union for further advice.