How to Respond to Verbal Abuse at Work

Did they really say that?

The harsh words still echo in your mind hours after they were spoken.

What should have been a normal workplace conversation turned into an attack that caught you off guard. You replay the incident over and over, feeling your confidence shrink with each remembrance.

Now, you find yourself dreading the next interaction, knowing it could happen again at any moment.

Have you recently been subjected to verbal abuse in your workgroup?

This experience of verbal abuse isn't just distressing – it's workplace bullying. Plain and simple.

When you're subjected to hostile or aggressive communication, it can affect both your professional confidence and personal wellbeing.

What's Workplace Bullying?

Workplace bullying includes verbal abuse and hostile behaviour that undermines your dignity at work. This type of behaviour is never acceptable, and recognising it as a serious issue is crucial for both personal protection and professional safety.

When workplaces are respectful, everyone can communicate professionally even during disagreements.

However, when verbal abuse occurs, you need strategies to protect yourself and address the situation appropriately.

Why It Matters

Here's why verbal abuse in the workplace needs attention:

• It can severely impact your mental health and professional confidence
• It often creates a pattern of intimidation that affects your ability to work effectively
• It may escalate into more serious forms of workplace misconduct if not addressed

But you don't have to face verbal abuse alone – there are several ways you can respond and protect yourself professionally.

1. Document Everything

Keep detailed records of incidents, including dates, times, locations, and any witnesses present, noting exact words and behaviours used.

2. Set Clear Boundaries

Communicate firmly and professionally that the behaviour is unacceptable, using clear examples of what needs to stop.

3. Seek Support

Report the abuse through appropriate channels, whether that's HR, your supervisor, or other designated workplace supports.

Protecting Your Dignity

Experiencing verbal abuse at work can shake your sense of safety and self-worth.

But taking steps to address it – whenever it happens – helps create a safer, more respectful environment for everyone.

With MOOD.ai, you can track how workplace interactions affect you each day. By identifying patterns of abuse, you'll gain valuable insights to help you advocate for change.

No one deserves verbal abuse. Ever.

And your workplace should be a space where respect isn’t the exception – it’s the standard.