As an effort to make workplaces safer for everyone, a discussion about workplace bullying and hazing and how to combat it. However, there is confusion regarding their differences, which disables many from determining the right actions to battle against it. There is also the fact that those subjected to it do not speak out because they fear retribution or exclusion from the rest of the group.

To help you combat either bullying or hazing, down below is a short guide on how you can differentiate between the two acts:

Bullying

When one talks about bullying, it is an aggressive act of a person or a group against another with the intention of harming them physically or mentally.

Some actions that qualify as bullying include threatening, teasing, name-calling, hitting, or subtly attacking the victim through rumours or encouraging others to do the same. Usually, the victims of bullying are considered vulnerable or weak in their eyes, such as the new employees or their juniors.

Hazing

Meanwhile, hazing is an action done by a group to intentionally cause physical and mental trauma, embarrassment or discomfort to those who are joining their group or team. For example, they go after the newly hired employees or those new to their team.

Hazing can also be considered bullying, but by comparison:

• Bullying pushes the victim away from the group, but in hazing, they do it as a ritual to see if the person applying to be a part of the group is worthy.
• Bullies often work on their own or in a small group. However, hazing involves a large team or group.

Hazing can be done in various ways, and here are some examples below:

• They make their victims do humiliating or embarrassing acts in public or before the rest of the group
• They swear or insult their victims
• They deprive their victims of their time to go to sleep, bathe or go to the bathroom
• They force their victims to eat disgusting food or inedible materials
• They physically hurt their victims
• They force victims to eat more than they could
• They sexually assault their victims

Whether you are a team leader or a regular employee, understanding the difference between both acts can go a long way in combating it. Knowing also enables you to protect yourself from becoming a victim of these employees and help those victims of these acts. When you experience or see these acts being committed, report them immediately to the right people. If action is not done, fight for it and push for the creation of anti-bullying and anti-hazing policies. It would be best to have avenues allowing anonymous reporting so victims can report without fearing those who hurt them.

With the cooperation of everyone and the right policies, it will be easier to fight against it and create the right environment for everyone in the workplace.

If you are being abused or know someone is being bullied at their workplace, please do not stay silent. Here are some articles to help you or them:
Bullying at Work
Identifying The Different Types Of Workplace Bullying
Guest Post: Triumphing Over Workplace Bullying

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