Tired of Being Stepped On at Work? How to Recognise and Stop Workplace Bullying
Feeling stepped on at work? Take our 20-question quiz to see if you’re being bullied or overlooked — and get expert tips to stop it, set boundaries, and take back control.
Introduction
Ever feel like the office is one big game of “Whose Turn Is It to Get Squashed Today?”
If so, you’re not alone. Many employees find themselves overworked, overlooked, and, frankly, trodden on — whether by managers, peers, or workplace culture itself. But here’s the truth: being perpetually stepped on is not just frustrating — it can be deeply damaging to your confidence, career growth, and mental health.
Let’s break this down and explore why this happens, what you can do about it, and how to tell if it’s time to push back.
James Mason
Why Do Employees Allow Themselves to Be Stepped On?
Psychologists suggest that there are a few key reasons why people tolerate unfair treatment at work:
- Fear of Conflict: Some employees worry that standing up for themselves will make things worse.
- Low Self-Worth: If you believe you’re lucky to have the job, you might accept poor treatment as “normal.”
- Workplace Conditioning: If management rewards compliance over initiative, employees quickly learn that staying quiet keeps them safe.
- Economic Pressure: The fear of losing income often prevents people from speaking up — especially in competitive industries.
According to a 2023 CIPD survey, 15% of employees in the UK reported feeling bullied or undermined in the last three years — but fewer than half reported it formally.
How to Step Up and Stop This From Happening
Being stepped on isn’t a life sentence. Here’s how to start regaining control:
- Set Clear Boundaries: Learn to say no (politely). Over-commitment is a fast track to burnout.
- Document Everything: Keep records of unfair treatment, excessive workloads, and communications.
- Communicate Professionally: Speak up with “I” statements — e.g., “I feel my contributions aren’t being recognised…”
- Find Allies: Identify trusted colleagues who can support you and validate your experiences.
James Mason
What If It’s Management Causing This?
When the person doing the “stepping” is in your reporting line, things get tricky.
- Escalate Strategically: Raise issues to HR with documented evidence.
- Leverage Company Policies: Most organisations have grievance procedures — read them.
- Assess Your Options: If management is complicit, you may need to consider a lateral move, transfer, or even leaving the company for a healthier culture.
Can HR Really Help If They’re Driven by Senior Management?
Yes — but with caution. HR is there to protect the company first and the employee second.
If HR is tightly aligned with senior leadership, you may feel unsupported. That’s why evidence matters — it’s harder to dismiss a case when you have documented facts.
If HR fails to act, you can seek outside advice from organisations like:
The Office Bantomime Team
How to Deal with Competitive Colleagues
When colleagues view you as competition, they may undercut you to get ahead. To protect yourself:
- Stay professional — don’t get drawn into petty politics.
- Keep your manager informed of your work and wins.
- Build your network — the stronger your relationships, the harder it is for someone to discredit you.
Are the “Steppers” Lacking Empathy?
Often, yes. People who climb over others to succeed tend to display lower levels of empathy and higher levels of narcissistic traits. They see workplace interactions as a zero-sum game — someone has to lose so they can win.
When Does It Go Too Far?
The line between tough management and outright bullying is crossed when the behaviour becomes:
- Persistent: Happens regularly, not just a one-off bad day
- Targeted: Directed at you specifically
- Damaging: Hurts your mental health, career, or reputation
At this point, yes — it’s workplace bullying, and it should be reported.
Can You Seek Help Outside the Organisation?
Absolutely. If your company won’t act, consider:
- Employment law solicitors for legal advice
- Workplace mediators for conflict resolution
- Career coaches or mentors for exit strategies
- Mental health professionals for emotional support
James Mason
What Types of People Are Most Likely to Feel Trodden On?
Research suggests the following groups are more vulnerable:
- Introverts – less likely to speak up
- Early-career employees – feel they lack power
- Women and minority groups statistically face more workplace bias
- High-conscientiousness workers – those who take pride in doing a good job often get given too much work
Take The Quiz If You Feel You Could Be A Victim
Final Conclusion
Being stepped on doesn’t have to define your career. You have the right to a respectful, fair workplace. The first step is recognising the problem — the next is taking action.
