12 Signs You Are Being Sabotaged At Work (2024)

It can be hard to determine if you are being sabotaged at work. After all, unless someone comes out and says they are trying to make your life difficult, it can be tough to know for sure. However, some signs can indicate that someone is out to get you.

This blog post will discuss 12 of the most common signs you are being sabotaged at work. Keep an eye out for these signs, and take action if you see them happening to you!

What Is Workplace Sabotage?

Workplace sabotage is a serious issue that can have a negative impact on employees and the company as a whole. It can lead to decreased productivity, increased absences, and even turnover. In some cases, it can also create a hostile work environment. If workplace sabotage is left unchecked, it can damage the company’s reputation and bottom line.

To prevent workplace sabotage, companies should make sure to have clear policies in place. They should also train managers and employees to identify and deal with such behavior. Finally, when workplace sabotage does occur, companies should take swift and decisive action to address the issue. Doing so will help to create a positive work environment and promote a culture of respect and collaboration.

Why Does Workplace Sabotage Occur? 

It occurs when an individual or group deliberately sets out to undermine the productivity of a colleague or company. There can be many reasons why someone would engage in such behavior, but some of the most common include feelings of insecurity, exclusion, and abuse. In many cases, individuals who engage in workplace sabotage do so because they feel threatened about their position.

They may fear losing their job to a new colleague or feel like they are not being given the same opportunities as others. Whatever the reason, workplace sabotage is often motivated by a fear of insecurity. Exclusion is another common motivator for workplace sabotage. If someone feels like they are not part of the team, they may deliberately set out undermining behavior to undermine the team’s productivity. This can be done out of spite or simply because the individual feels left out.

Lastly, abuse can also be a motivator for workplace sabotage. If someone is being abused at work, they may lash out in an attempt to harm their abuser. Workplace sabotage is often motivated by negative emotions such as fear, exclusion, and abuse. However, it can also occur simply because someone enjoys harming others.

Whatever the reason, workplace sabotage can have negative outcomes for both the individual and the company. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the signs of workplace sabotage so that it can be dealt with quickly and effectively.

12 Signs You Are Being Sabotaged at Work

Below, we reveal 12 signs that suggest you might be experiencing sabotage in your workplace:

1. You Get Put on the Frontline With Partial Knowledge

In any workplace, there is always a certain amount of training that employees must undergo before they are entirely comfortable in their position. However, sometimes bosses may intentionally put employees on the frontline before they have received all of their training.

This can be particularly true in high-pressure situations, such as when a higher-up visits the workplace. In these cases, bosses may feel that it is more important to get the job done than to wait for employees to receive all of their training. However, this can often lead to frustration and anxiety on the part of employees, who may feel unprepared and unable to do their best work.

Bosses need to remember that taking the time to train employees is ultimately in the best interest of both the employee and the company.

2. You’re Expected to Work Long Hours Without Compensation

Working long hours is often a part of any job. However, there is a point at which long working hours become unreasonable and begins to take a toll on employees. If you are expected to work long hours without compensation, this may signify that you are being sabotaged at work.

Your boss may deliberately try to make your job more difficult by expecting you to work excessive hours. This can lead to burnout, exhaustion, and a decline in the quality of your work. If you are expected to work long hours without compensation, you must speak up and ask for what you deserve.

Working excessive hours is not only unreasonable, but it is also unfair. You should not be expected to sacrifice your personal life for the sake of your job.

3. Your Coworkers Socially Undermine You

One of the most common signs of workplace sabotage is when your coworkers begin to undermine you socially. This can take many forms, but it often manifests as gossiping, backstabbing, and exclusion. If you notice that your coworkers are deliberately trying to make you look bad or exclude you from social events, this may be a sign that you are being sabotaged at work.

A study in the Journal of Organizational Behaviour describes social undermining as behavior intended to restrict a worker’s success, reputation, and positive relationships over time. Another study, the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, recently published a study of 1,087 recently unemployed individuals that revealed those subjected to social undermining in the workplace reported having poorer mental health, as evidenced by feelings of aggravation, anxiety, depression, and more.

Social undermining behaviors can be challenging to deal with, as they can be hard to prove. However, if you feel that your coworkers are purposefully trying to make your life difficult, it is crucial to speak up. Talk to your boss or HR department about the situation so that they know what is going on and can take steps to address the issue.

4. Your Coworkers Outright Lie on You

Outright lying is one of the most underhanded things a coworker can do. It’s a malicious act that can leave you confused, defensive, and ashamed. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s essential to remain calm and collected. Gather as much evidence as possible to support your case, and then speak to your supervisor.

It’s also important to be aware of your body language and tone of voice when discussing the situation. You want to be confident and level-headed, not angry or paranoid. If you handle the situation well, you’ll be able to clear your name and maintain good standing at work. But if you let the lies get to you, it will only make the situation worse.

5. People Jump in Front of You Unnecessarily

In any workplace, there will always be competition. However, if you find people constantly jumping in front of you and taking credit for your work, this may also be a sign of workplace sabotage.

Your boss may deliberately try to make you look bad by not giving you the credit you deserve. This can lead to feelings of frustration and inadequacy. If you feel your boss is intentionally trying to make you show off your bad behavior, it is crucial to speak up.

Make sure you document your work with concrete evidence of what you have accomplished. This will help prove your case if you need to speak to your boss or HR about the situation.

6. You’re Constantly Being Watched

You’re always being watched. It’s an unsettling feeling, especially if you don’t know who’s doing the watching or why. It can make you feel paranoid, anxious, and on edge. As a result, you may start to second-guess yourself and your every move.

The actions of stalking and monitoring are a form of intimidation and sabotage. The objective is to make you feel so uneasy and concerned that you either leave or commit numerous errors. This can be done in person, through technology, or even through indirect means such as hiring someone to watch you.

It’s essential to be aware of this behavior, so you can identify it if it happens to you. If you suspect you’re being watched, take steps to protect yourself and your privacy.

7. You Get Asked Strange Questions

If you’re ever in the room with your coworkers and they start asking you personal questions that make you feel uncomfortable, it’s important to know that you don’t have to answer them.

You can politely deflect the question or change the subject altogether. If they continue to press you for information, you can always escalate the situation by speaking to your boss or HR. However, if you find that your coworkers are regularly asking you strange questions, it might be a sign that they’re trying to get dirt on you.

If they’re asking about things they shouldn’t know or trying to verify the information they found in their research, it’s best to be leery of their motives. Ultimately, if you’re ever feeling uncomfortable with the questions being asked, it’s essential to trust your gut and remove yourself from the situation.

8. You’re Excluded From Meetings

If you’re suddenly being excluded from meetings you usually attend, it’s a sign that something is up. You may be deliberately left out so that decisions can be made without your input.

This is a common tactic used to sabotage someone at work. By excluding you from decision-making, your boss is silencing your voice. This can lead to feelings of frustration and helplessness.

If you’re being excluded from meetings, speaking up is essential. Talk to your boss and ask why you’re not being included. You may want to escalate the situation by speaking to HR if they don’t have a good reason.

9. Someone Is Always Distracting You

Whether you’re trying to concentrate on work or get through a tough workout at the gym, there’s always someone who seems hell-bent on ruining your focus. Whether it’s a colleague who won’t stop chatting about last night’s game or a friend who keeps sending you ever more urgent text messages, these distractions can be incredibly frustrating.

Sometimes, they may even be deliberate attempts to sabotage your efforts. You must be on your guard if you suspect someone is actively undermining and trying to distract you. Pay attention to when and how the person is trying to disrupt you and stay one step ahead. With a bit of vigilance, you should be able to minimize the impact of these distractions and keep moving forward.

10. Your Schedule Is Packed

If your schedule is suddenly packed with overwhelming tasks and deadlines, it may be another sign that you’re being sabotaged at work. Your boss may be deliberately trying to overload you to force you to make mistakes or miss deadlines.

This can lead to poorer mental health problems like stress and anxiety, making it challenging to stay on top of your work. If you’re overwhelmed with work, it’s essential to speak up. Talk to your boss and explain that you’re feeling overloaded.

See if there’s any way to lighten your workload or ask for an extension on deadlines where possible. In some cases, it may be necessary to escalate the situation by speaking to Human resources.

11. Your Work Is Constantly Criticized

If you’re finding that your work is constantly being criticized, it’s also a big sign that someone is trying to undermine your efforts. This criticism can be incredibly demoralizing, making it difficult to stay motivated.

In some cases, the criticism may be justified. However, speaking up is essential if you feel excessive or unwarranted. It’s also important to remember that not all criticism is bad. If you’re able to take constructive feedback and use it to improve your work, it can be a positive thing.

12. You’re Not Given Enough Responsibility

Being passed over for promotions or interesting projects may be a sign that someone is trying to sabotage your career. By keeping you in a low-level position, your boss can prevent you from developing your skills and advancing your career.

This can be incredibly frustrating, especially if you feel capable of more. If you’re being passed over for opportunities, you must talk to your boss and ask why.

Final Thoughts

If you’re being sabotaged at work, it’s crucial to identify the signs and take action. Whether you’re being excluded from meetings or constantly criticized, these sabotaging behaviors can seriously impact your career. Talk to your boss or HR if you suspect you’re being sabotaged. You can stop the sabotaging behavior and protect your career by speaking up.

Do you have any experience with being sabotaged at work? Share your story in the comments below.

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