Workplace Bullying: Managers as Victims
- Martha Travis
- Jun 27
- 1 min read
Workplace bullying isn’t just something that happens to employees—it can also happen to managers. In this real case, a manager was accused of bullying by three employees after simply holding them accountable for agreed tasks and deadlines.
A full investigation was launched. While the manager’s communication style was sometimes abrupt, the actions were found to be within the scope of reasonable management—not bullying. The process revealed something deeper: the real issue was the workplace culture.
Cultural problems had been brewing, and both the employees and the manager had, at times, engaged in inappropriate conduct. The investigation led to the development of clearer behavioural guidelines and sparked necessary conversations about expectations and accountability on both sides.
Unfortunately, during the process, the manager was removed from the workplace, and the situation took a toll on everyone's’ wellbeing. The employees reported stress and anxiety, and the manager was negatively impacted by the experience.
This case reminds us of two important things:
Bullying must be taken seriously, no matter the direction it's coming from.
Workplace investigations must be fair, balanced, and based on facts—not just feelings.
We must support cultures where performance expectations are clear, concerns can be raised respectfully, and all voices—managers included—are heard.
If you have issues with your workplace culture and would like some assistance to ensure your workplace culture and any toxic situation has been addressed, we're here to help.
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