Workplace bullying is verbal, physical, social or psychological abuse by your employer (or manager), another person or a group of people at work. It can happen in any type of workplace, from offices to shops, cafes, restaurants, workshops, community groups and government organisations. 

Workplace bullying can happen to volunteers, work experience students, interns, apprentices, casual and permanent employees. Some types of workplace bullying are criminal offences. If you have experienced violence, assault and stalking, you can report it directly to the police. 

What does bullying in the workplace look like? 

• Repeated hurtful remarks or attacks, or making fun of your work or you as a person (including your family, sex, sexuality, gender identity, race or culture, education or economic background). 
• Sexual harassment, particularly things like unwelcome touching and sexually explicit comments and requests that make you uncomfortable. 
• Excluding you or stopping you from working with people or taking part in activities that relate to your work. 
• Playing mind games, ganging up on you, or other types of psychological harassment. 
• Intimidation (making you feel less important and undervalued). 
• Giving you pointless tasks that have nothing to do with your job. 
• Giving you impossible jobs that cannot be done in the given time or with the resources/tools provided. 
• Deliberately changing your work hours or schedule to make it difficult for you. 
• Deliberately withholding information you need to complete your work properly. 
• Pushing, shoving, tripping, and grabbing you in the workplace. 
• Attacking or threatening with equipment, knives, guns, clubs or any other type of object that can be turned into a weapon. 
• Initiation or hazing – a humiliating or inappropriate ritual, used to be accepted as part of the team.

How can bullying affect your work? 

• be less active or successful 

• be less confident in your work 

• feel scared, stressed, anxious or depressed 

• have your life outside of work affected, e.g. study, relationships, geography (avoiding certain areas or walking/travelling via a different route)

• want to stay away from work 

• feel like you cannot trust your employer or the people you work with 

• lack confidence and happiness in yourself and your work 

• have physical signs of stress like headaches, backaches, sleep problems, palpitations, panic attacks, etc.  

Psychological impacts of workplace bullying

The impact of bullying can have far-reaching consequences. It can lead to serious mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, fatigue, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, self-esteem and confidence issues, as well as suicidal ideation (thoughts of suicide). 

Research shows that there is a direct correlation between workplace bullying and poor mental and physical health. 

Negative health impacts of bullying do not necessarily cease when the bullying stops; they can be ongoing and long-term. Bullying affects not only the person being targeted but also those witnessing bullying.

What can organisations do? 

Under Australia’s various Occupational Health and Safety Acts, employers must maintain a workplace that is free from risk to health and safety for all employees. It is the responsibility of organisations to:

• Make it known that the company does not tolerate bullying 
• Implement policies and procedures outlining the employer’s position on bullying, what is meant by bullying and the consequences of bullying 
• Ensure awareness of the company’s policies and procedures 
• Establish a complaints mechanism whereby employees who have been bullied can make a complaint, as well as ensuring grievances are dealt with independently, timely manner, and confidentially 
• Monitor the effectiveness of these steps on a regular basis