Workplace Imitation, Harassment, and Tips

It can be challenging to express one’s individuality in the workplace especially if some of your coworkers want to mimic what you say and what you do. Also, if the coworkers are less experienced in a job or have personal reasons for imitating you. Often, they might have a tough time practicing self-authenticity because of influences, lack of self-awareness, and having social expectations. Nonetheless, practicing self-authenticity can be a daily challenge in the workplace because of the coworkers that want to be like you or be like several coworkers all at once. Begin by accepting why these coworkers want to imitate what you do and what you say.

It might seem like a game to your coworkers that are imitating you. Also, it might be fun for them to copy your clothing style, your hairstyle, or your makeup. However, it can become overwhelming, bothersome, and frustrating to have your individuality in your workplace. A negative workplace imitation is unacceptable. Keep in mind that a negative workplace imitation can prevent others seeing your achievements, your individuality, and your authenticity. 

Often it can be a form of disrespectfulness especially if they mimic you and others due to negative reasons. Coworkers that tend to imitate can be having issues with the self and it can be harmful when it is done with sarcasm. In a hostile working environment and having a group of coworkers that mimic and provoke you can be hurtful. It is damaging for the business, and it is uncomfortable for all employees working there. Yet, accepting, observing, and distancing yourself from coworkers that do imitation is necessary for your emotional wellness.

However, if you must collaborate with coworkers that mimic you; Be careful and limit your conversations with them. Experiencing negative imitation in the workplace can be bothersome, irritating, and a combination of anger with frustration. If the mimicking gets extreme, do have a conversation with your coworkers and document it to give to Human Resources. It is crucial to let HR know about mimicking, sarcasm, and verbal harassment. If you feel excluded and are always the main topic of their gossiping, it is important to report it.

Preventing negative workplace imitation, harassment, and domestic violence is essential for a healthy working environment. Stopping workplace imitation is another step to preventing workplace bullying. Although workplace imitation might seem harmless, it is damaging for your mental and physical health. It can also be embarrassing to be wearing the same outfit at work and being imitated for one's fashion style. Lastly, workplace imitation is unhealthy because it can make your coworkers compete, be jealous, and it can become violent. 

Other times coworkers that tend to imitate others are because of lack of job experience. It is not always a positive imitation because they might feel threatened, fearful, and feel it is the only way they can fit in the job. Nevertheless, if you feel uncomfortable having them on social media, it might be best to limit your posts or think carefully before adding them on your social pages. Practice self-disclosure and self-limitations when it comes to speaking about your private life when asked in the workplace. Have a guideline with what you are comfortable speaking about in the workplace.

Do not feel intimidated, especially if they demonstrate ignorance, arrogance, and a lack of empathy. It is important to end harassment and negative workplace imitation. Be cautious and remain calm. Always be respectful and approach the situation without anger. Here is a guideline to help you avoid negative workplace imitation. 

1. Encourage your coworker to be themselves without imitating you. 
2. Stop them from mirroring your physical movements by distancing yourself from them.
3. Let them know to respect your boundaries. 
4. Complement them on their achievements. 
5. Speak to them about work and not your private life. 
6. Spend less time with them, especially if you must collaborate on a work project. 
7. Let your supervisor and HR know about the negative workplace imitation. 
8. If the workplace imitation is causing extreme stress, seek professional help and report it. 
9. Do not let the workplace imitation prevent you from getting your work done. 
10. Do not confront them by themselves if they are defensive, aggressive, and disrespectful with everyone. 
11. Have witnesses to document the negative workplace imitation. 
12. Practice individuality and inner peace with self-reflection. 

When someone or a group of coworkers imitate you negatively, it makes it tougher to trust them and develop friendships at work. Yet, it is better to keep your achievements to yourself to avoid someone at work from negative imitation. Ask a mentor or someone you trust for help especially if your coworkers copy ideas from you to get a bonus or a job promotion. As well as mimicking you with your clothing style, your social media posts, and constantly watching you in the workplace. If your coworker is imitating you negatively, stalking you, and eavesdropping on you all the time; It is recommended to report it to Human Resources and to the authorities.

Do not put it off when reporting it. You might feel hesitant at first. But when you realize you no longer feel safe in the workplace, it is the only solution to end the mimicking, harassment, stalking, and the negativity in the workplace. Additionally, preventing mimicking is possible by speaking to them and having personal space in the workplace. Practice your individuality and compliment with positivity. Do not continue the conversation if they get defensive, angry, or they continue mimicking you. 

Workplace imitation is toxic when it is done with sarcasm, jokes, laughter, and with bad comments. Seeking professional help to heal from the workplace imitation and from the bad experiences. Do not tell your coworkers what you are wearing to work because this is one step in ending workplace imitation. Also, if they copy your language style, let them know it makes you feel uncomfortable. Here are resources about negative work behaviors, mimicking, and other workplace behaviors. 

 

What is Sociopathic Mimicking in the Workplace-Workplace Mental Health Safety and Prevention:

What is Sociopathic Mimicking in the Workplace - Workplace Mental Health Safety and Prevention

How to Manage Staff Who Mirror Their Boss' Negative Work Behaviors-HRM online:

How to manage staff who mirror their boss’ negative work behaviours - HRM online

 

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