One of the toughest situations to handle at the workplace is being bullied – that too by your manager.

Bullying, unfortunately, is not limited to high school. According to the WorkplaceBullying.org, a projected 54 million Americans get bullied at workplace at some point in their professional career.

Outlined below are a few things that you can do to protect yourself from a retaliating, or bullying supervisor:

Document It All

Bullying isn’t always verbal or physical; it’s deeper.

For instance, if your manager assigns you a task, then backs out later, saying that he/she never asked you to do it, this, too, is a case of bullying.

The best way to handle this is to document everything that your manager asks you to do. Because in some instances, they may ask you to do things that are against company law.

If that’s so, send an email stating that, “You have assigned me to do ABC, although it contradicts the Company Policy No. 678.”

Don’t be Rebellious

In case your manager tries to provoke you, don’t respond. As hard as it sounds, you need to remain composed. They may simply need an excuse to peg you as rebellious or incompliant.  

However, make sure that the task is not illegal. If so, go with the first tip (document it all!). As a matter of fact, even if the task is legal, documenting is a safe move. You never know when you may need it as evidence.

Be Watchful of the Bully’s Targets

It’s unfortunate that being bullied at work isn’t termed illegal in any of the states.

A bullying manager is similar to those playground buddies that try to pull you down. If you are being bullied or discriminated on the basis of your gender, age, religion, origin, disability or because you took the family and medical leave, don’t be deterred. It’s your manager who’s breaking the law.

Immediately get in touch with a labor law attorney to secure your rights as an employee.

If you’re being ill-treated by a retaliating manager at work, Hardin & Lott is where you will find refuge. Being one of the most reputed law corporations in Orange County, CA, they will have you covered for all kinds of employee rights and securities.