I received this e mail recently. I am posting my reply. This is a Christian response to workplace bullying. Some details have been changed to protect the people involved.
“My name is Bridget. I was wondering if you had any advice for me about a situation on my new job. I work in hospitality as a room service manager. I think the maintenance supervisor is a devil worshiper. He talks about the devil all the time. Well, one day he made the comment that any one who talks about God is a (insert swearing) idiot. He said it in the office with myself, the director of operations, and the Front Desk Manager. They all laughed, but it wasn't funny to me , I was very offended. What do you think I should do? Is there any legal actions I can take? I woke up this morning with this on my mind. If you can help me in any way, I would greatly appreciate it.”
This was my reply.
“Good to hear from you! Thanks for writing me with your situation.
First, it is important to know your status in the Lord. 1 John 4:4 states “Little children, you are of God, and have overcome them; for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” This means that God’s spirit resides in those who love Jesus and who are living for him in this world. This Spirit of God is greater than any devil worshipping spirit.
So be encouraged and as Jesus was fond of telling his disciples “Don’t be afraid!”
Second, know where you stand and what you can do. Does your employer have a policy on workplace harassment? Depending upon what state/province you live in there will be laws that protect workers from harassment on the shop floor. Using foul language to mock people is a form of workplace bullying. The Canada Safety Council has an excellent article here on Workplace Bullying with a number of links to other resources.
If you do a Google Search on the subject “Bully” “Workplace” you will find lots of other articles written on it and how to respond. Start by writing down all the details about the incident. When did it happen? What may have provoked it? How did you feel about it? Keep a journal of these incidents, dates, times, places, details.
Third. Pray. Ask God to give you His mind in the matter. This may not be about you at all. It may be about a person who has suffered a terrible emotional wound in the past who is venting his hurt at work. As God gives you his perspective on the matter, which is always full of compassion, you will being to pray FOR the individual as opposed to praying ABOUT him. This will give you the compassion to care for him which is what the Bible talks about when it tells us to LOVE our enemies. Matthew 5:43-44;
Fourth. Act. If it happens again. Take a copy of your documentation and the articles you have researched on workplace bullying to a supervisor and speak to him about it. This is a difficult step and it would be important to have a church support group praying for you. Do you have a church you attend? Is there a Pastor who could help you write your letter? Lean on your friends to help you.
So, you need to know you are not alone in this situation. God is with you and knows the end from the beginning. Ask Him for the grace and strength to endure persecution. He works everything to the good so trust Him that this will turn out well.”
This is how it worked out.
“Thank you for your response. Sorry I'm getting back to you so late, but I was working a lot this week. When I read your email, it uplifted my spirit, and I just let those words marinate in me. I also prayed about the situation and asked God to guide me. I thought about what you said about this might have something to do with a wound in the maintenance man's life, so I prayed for him rather than about him. He was not there that day, but before I left I prayed over that office and asked God to dwell all in that place. The next day the man had a total different attitude. He was nice to me and the other employees. He actually tried to befriend me and we had a normal conversation. I give God that glory for this.
I also started a journal and wrote down everything that happened. I did some research and if something like this happens again, I need to make it clear that he was making me uncomfortable and ask him to stop. If it still goes on, this is when I can take further action. I'm going to look up those articles on workplace bullying as well.
I don't have a church home right now. I just moved to the area. But I talked to my dad, who is a minister, about it. Surprisingly, he gave me the same advice you did. I will continue to pray for this guy. Please keep my work situation in your prayers. Thank you so much again. Hope to hear from you soon.
God Bless, Bridget”
For more resources please read my post - Christian Rights in the Workplace.
For other links on this subject:
STOP THE MADNESS -- ERADICATE WORKPLACE BULLYING
The Leadership Advantage: The Costs of Workplace Bullying
Workplace Bullying: What Can You Do?
Monster Forum on Workplace Bullying
Update:
Please add other resources in the comments section.
