Workplace bullying (a psychosocial hazard)
Workplace bullying is repeated and unreasonable behaviour directed towards a worker or a group of workers that creates a risk to health and safety in the workplace.
Examples of workplace bullying
Bullying can take different forms including psychological, physical or even indirect.It can be obvious and it can be subtle, which means it's not always easy to spot.
Some examples of workplace bullying include:
- abusive or offensive language or comments
- aggressive and intimidating behaviour
- belittling or humiliating comments
- practical jokes or initiation
- unjustified criticism or complaints
- deliberating excluding someone from workplace activities
- withholding information that is needed for work
It is useful to consider other psychosocial hazards in the workplace which may contribute to workplace bullying. For example, situations where job demands are high, or conflict at work. For help to do this refer to the Code of Practice Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work .
Everyone at work can help ensure that bullying does not occur. It is important to respond quickly because the longer bullying continues, the more difficult it is to address and the harder it becomes to repair working relationships.
Workplace bullying can occur in any business and can be harmful to you if you experience or witness it.