Bullying In the Workplace

There are many forms of bullying at work. You don't have to accept this behaviour. Everyone has the right to respect and dignity - and to feel safe at work.

What Is Bullying?

Many people think of bullying as only happening in the schoolyard. But that's only part of the story.

Most bullying behavior is not so obvious.

Belittling, intimidating, threatening or keeping people under pressure is also bullying. This is the most common form of bullying in Australian workplaces, and is a risk to health and safety.

Bullying can happen to anyone.

The Workplace Is No Place For Bullying 

Is this your workplace?

  • Shouting or abusive language
  • Open or implied threat of the sack or demotion
  • People affraid to speak up about conditions, behaviours, or health and safety
  • Unreasonable demands or impossible targets
  • Being required to perform tasks without adequate training
  • Being forced to stay back to finish work or additional tasks
  • Compulsory overtime, unfair rostering or allocation of work
  • Interference with personal belongings or sabotage of work
  • Pressure on staff who put in a workers' compensation claim

 

Who's Doing the Bullying?

Co-workers, clients, customers, contractors or others from outside the workplace can be bullies. However research shows more workers are bullied by employers and managers than by fellow workers.

What Can Be Done?

Everyone has the right to dignity and respect, and to a safe and healthy environment at work.

If bullying is happening in your workplace, there are ways to deal with it:

  • Get the issues out in the open by talking with fellow workers
  • Hold a meeting, away from the workplace if necessary
  • Get your workplace health and safety representative, OHS committee, or other Delegate to take up the issues.
  • Contact the SDA


Use these processes to:

  • Identify the most important issues
    Keep records of incidents, so they are not forgotten or misrepresented
    Raise the issue with your employer through workplace representatives
    Arrange counselling and/or other assistance for distressed workers if needed
     

How Bullying Can Affect the Workplace


Bullying not only impacts upon the victim, it also affects the workplace in general. Some of these effects include:

  • Low morale
  • Unmotivated workers
  • Lost productivity
  • High staff turnover
  • Increased sick leave usage
  • Increased stress and workers' compensation claims
  • An oppressive and unhappy workplace


Employers' Responsibilities


Under occupational health and safety legislation, employers have a legal duty to control all health and safety hazards in the workplace. this includes dealing with organisational structures and behaviours which may lead to bullying.

Employers must consult with their employees about policies and procedures to eliminate all hazards and risks from the workplace. there is no excuse for causing or allowing bullying.

For more information or if you need help contact the SDA