How do I deal with a verbally abusive coworker?
15 Answers
Moderated by Maria Wasielewski, Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance, University of Arizona
Updated: Jan 19, 2021
Anonymous
on
May 1, 2017
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The best way to deal with a verbally abusive co-worker is having a talk with your boss about the issue. Let your boss know how a co-worker's verbal harassing is badly affecting your job performance. You are concerned with giving your utmost effort and this is why you are making this complaint. Always connect the problem to how it will negatively affect your work performance and you should get a resolve. If not, leave.
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sarper
on
Aug 3, 2015
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Document your interaction with that person in detail and file a complaint with your manager or HR department.
FalseKing97
on
Nov 3, 2015
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I dont have much experience with work ( im still in school :D) but i think its the same, so my advice is to remove toxic people from your life, try ignoring him/her, report her if she is abusing you in a way that you are endangered.If all else fails just say, "Yeah, okay, sure!" while saying f**k you in your head and moving on with your life :)
Kimberly18Joanne
on
Dec 22, 2015
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Tell them you do not appreciate the disrespect you are receiving from them then go to a superior.
Alexis13
on
Jun 9, 2015
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Ask the person who is verbally abusing you to stop. See if it continues. If they continue report the verbal abuse to HR.
MSedawy
on
Jun 14, 2015
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In a perfect world, all work colleagues would get along, but in reality many workplaces are tainted by unpleasant people who don't interact appropriately. It's inevitable that you'll encounter a difficult coworker at some point in your career. These people can lack basic interpersonal skills and might lash out at others. Whether the verbal abuse is aimed directly at you or at someone else in your office, you'll want to find ways to effectively deal with the toxic environment that you're forced to endure daily.
Demetria1213
on
Jul 7, 2015
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Show him kindness even through how he treats you, and make sure to tell your boss or a manager. Try to walk away and if he follows, try to ignore him.
goldenLight64
on
Mar 3, 2015
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Try to ignore them. Don't be alone with that person, so there are witnesses to their behavior. You could try talking to them as well and stating how they are coming across to you. If all else fades, document your history with them and report to human resources.
ReyneeseLovingSnow
on
Apr 14, 2015
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The best way is to reduce the communication with them, and preferably conduct communication in a group session, where more people are around, this may help boost the comfortability level. Besides, consider getting a superior to take charge of the conversation may help too.
Anonymous
on
May 13, 2015
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Confront them and let them know how I feel would be the best option and if they continued call a meeting with both them and a member of management.
LifeWithoutYouIsNewToo
on
Aug 10, 2015
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Notify your boss about what this certain coworker is doing. The working conditions have to be right for you as well, you can't be bullied in your own work place.
EnchantingNess74
on
Nov 3, 2015
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I would ask them to stop, if they did;t i would report them to a moderator. Then I would need to block them if that was needed. I would also tell them what it was I was feeling so they can warned how it was offending me if I was offended
gentlePeace44
on
Dec 22, 2015
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Try speaking with him and creating a positive relation. Friends are nice to friends. If that doesn't work then do as they do to you, ignore them, or simply just leave things to God.
Anonymous
on
Oct 18, 2016
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The best way to deal with this would be to first try talking to your coworker and see if you ca reason with them but if that doesn't work maybe go to some one higher up like your mutual manger and report the problem to them.
DarkPiT23
on
Jan 19, 2021
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What constitutes verbal abuse in the workplace?
Verbal abuse doesn’t have to be outright shouting or insults—although all of that certainly counts. Oftentimes, verbal abuse in the workplace is more subtle and includes any language that is:
Intimidating
Threatening
Humiliating
Discriminatory
Degrading
Insulting