Workplace Bullying

This poem is about a Workplace Health and Safety issue I faced back in 2015. When voicing WHS issues in the workplace, I felt misunderstood and unheard. I wrote this poem many years ago, after resigning from a workplace position. Naive and eager to serve, I faced workplace politics and felt misunderstood. Despite raising concerns about bullying and harassment, I was met with mistrust and a dismissive response from management. The poem reflects my decision to leave, feeling unheard, overpowered and unsupported, and emphasises the need for workers' and volunteers' help around workplace bullying. Should I have reacted differently? Should I have fought longer? Some good came out of the confrontation. About six months later, the organisation eventually adopted WHS policies, which was the issue I originally raised. Workplace BullyContent with my work, keen in spirit Eager to serve, obedient, compliant Blissfully ignorant of workplace politics. This was my chance to advance A new direction, a new career I embraced the vision of the mission Keen to work as a team member. But an incident occurred that left me disturbed I said I had been bullied and harassed Some workers thought I should just ‘toughen up’. Not one to make waves or ruffle feathers I voiced concern about what I had suffered A delicate flower in a forest of trees What hope did I have of making them see? A workmate helped with the correspondence To present, for a decision, to management I wanted to leave, just walk away But, he convinced me to stand strong and stay. I patiently waited with the assumption I would receive a fair and balanced reaction But, they accused me of having a hidden agenda Blamed with distrust, now my character is stained. My reputation in disrepute “How could I have been so misunderstood? What did I say? What did I do? That caused them to falsely accuse? Management asked me “Are you over this yet?” “Forgive and forget” “Why are you so upset?” “I’m sorry you feel this way but...” Finally, I received a Teflon letter Written by a lawyer, a fellow team member Many words but little meaning Placing the blame subtly on me. In effect, their words said, “This matter is closed” I had been stonewalled, my truth ignored Who could I speak to? I stood alone. No more agendas or work politics Or false accusations against me No more wasting time defending ‘Cause I'm leaving this job, I’m out of here. Reluctantly, I dropped the issue Brushed under the carpet, the culture continued These standover tactics will no doubt repeat Until they are challenged by one of their peers. Simply Story Poetry © 2015 All Rights Reserved. You can read my poems on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Simply Story Poetry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pinterest ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠simplystorypoetry.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Thank you for listening.