Workplace Bullying: How to Deal with Intimidation or Harassment at Work Use a Cease & Desist letter to neutralize workplace bullies

Workplace bullying has become a hot-button topic within the media over the past few years, with statistics suggesting that up to 35% of workforce employees have fallen victim to this alarming trend.

Some suggest that bullying victims are simply people who “can’t take the pressure” at work. Not so, says Jeff Shane, Vice President of Allison & Taylor Reference Checking, a firm that offers “Cease & Desist letters to stop workplace bullying. “Bullying has become an unpleasant fact of life in too many workplace environments. What makes it especially insidious is that it often continues even after someone has left a job, with the bully continuing to make their life difficult by them a poor reference to a prospective employer.”

Workplace bullying tactics can range from derogatory comments to public humiliation or physical abuse; in any event, they unquestionably lead to decreased workplace productivity. Victims may experience a loss of confidence, debilitating anxiety, panic attacks, clinical depression and even physical illnesses.

Central to the issue is the fact that management or supervisors are the most common offenders, and their bullying actions leave the recipient in a difficult employment position. Since many bullies are operating in accordance with a company’s “standard practices”, victims often speculate that they may deserve the criticisms, or they are simply too embarrassed, reluctant or fearful to confront the harasser.

If you are the victim and you’re unwilling or unable to effect a change in the workplace, leaving the position and looking for a more positive environment may be your best choice. However, be certain that your former employer’s negative feedback does not hinder your efforts to find a more suitable work environment.

“A large number of the references we check are in response to workplace bullying”, says Shane. “People feel traumatized and helpless in the face of mistreatment. They’re also worried that the negative feedback they’re receiving in their current job will carry over into a negative reference, and disrupt their ability to secure future employment.”

Fortunately, there is recourse available for such grim scenarios. Allison & Taylor reference checking provides a service whereby an employee can find out exactly what someone is saying about them to a prospective new employer. If a workplace bully is speaking out of turn when responding to an employment inquiry, employees can exercise the option of a Cease & Desist letter or pursue more substantive legal action. Such tools will help ensure that the transgressor will stop their actions out of fear of corporate reprisal.

“The dilemma of workplace bullying is often made worse by the feeling that nothing can be done to alleviate it,” says Shane, “but that’s not true. A person can, and should, take steps to improve or protect their employment situation.”

To find out more about workplace bullying and the steps you can take to prevent or eliminate it, please visit http://www.allisontaylor.com

Are you protected by your old company’s policy to only confirm the dates and title of employment?

Our experience is, that with a little pressure, most managers break company policy and speak their mind to either help or hurt a candidate’s chance at another job. Who from your past job will help you or hurt you – you need to know.

Click here to find out what is really being said about you.

Is your past boss badmouthing you?

50% of our clients have lost good job offers due to bad or mediocre comments from previous employers. Reference-Letters.com will confidentially find out what is really being said about you and give you the power to stop it!

Click here to find out how!

Interviewing well but not getting the job?

Maybe it’s something that a past employer or reference is saying. Could a jealous colleague be sabotaging you? Could your past boss be less than happy at your departure? Reference-Letters.com will help you find out.

Click here to find out how!

Do you have a separation agreement with your past employer? Is it being honored?

Is your past employer giving you the professional and prompt reference that was promised or are they saying, “Well according to our agreement I can only confirm that he worked here.” Reference-Letters.com will find out what is really being said and give you the power to enforce your agreement.

Click here to find out how!

Were you a victim of discrimination, sexual harassment or wrongful termination?

Your previous employers could be affecting your new job search through their comments to prospective employers. Don’t let them continue to hurt you and your career.

Click here to find out what is really being said about you.

Are you being BLACKBALLED?

Last year our clients were awarded more than $2 million in settlements. Reference-Letters.com will find out what is really being said about you and give you the power to stop it!

Click here to find out how!

You’ve put time and effort into your resume, developed your network of possible employers and recruiters, worked on your interview skills – but have done nothing but typed a list of your references. Don’t leave this crucial area to chance. References are the final factor in who gets the job offer. Your past employers – anyone you reported to will be contacted. Do you know what they will say? Reference-Letters.com will find out what is really being said about you.

Click here to find out how!