How to Deal With Workplace Bullying

Everyone in Australia is entitled to a safe and healthy workplace. However, workplace bullying still exists in many forms – from a demanding boss, to a manipulative coworker, or a toxic work environment. When someone experiences workplace bullying, the impact is often not just reflected in their job performance, but can also take a toll on their physical and mental health.

Employers and employees alike share a responsibility under workplace health and safety laws to prevent workplace bullying. However, there are often misconceptions around what workplace bullying actually is. This article will help you understand what bullying in the workplace looks like, how it can impact individuals, and, if you’re experiencing it, how you can effectively deal with it.

What is workplace bullying?

According to the Australian Fair Work Commission, workplace bullying occurs when a person or a group of people repeatedly behaves unreasonably towards an individual or a group of people at work, creating a risk to health and safety. Workplace bullying can take many forms, such as aggression or intimidation, using abusive or offensive language, mocking or humiliating someone, or in severe circumstances holding ‘initiation ceremonies’.

Bullying can happen in any sort of workplace or industry – from offices, shops, factories, restaurants, or even community and government organisations. It can also affect anyone, including casual staff, contractors, temporary workers, interns, permanent employees and even managers. Perpetrators could be managers, supervisors, colleagues or anyone else at the workplace.

Types of workplace bullying

Bullying in the workplace can look different than it would in other settings. When most of us hear the word ‘bullying’, we’re immediately transported back to the perils of schoolyard bullying. Workplace bullying can look and feel very different – it is often nuanced and subtle, but also extremely impactful.

Overt, aggressive behaviour

Overt workplace bullying occurs in plain sight, in front of others, often to embarrass and belittle a person in public. This can include shouting or yelling, physical or verbal abuse, personal insults, threats, ridiculing colleagues through criticism or sarcasm, or inappropriate comments about performance or job security.

Covert, subtle bullying

Covert bullying is a more subtle, less obvious form of workplace bullying, which may be harder to identify but is just as distressing. This may involve micromanaging a colleague, being overly critical of their work or behaviour, taking credit for their work, name-calling, spreading rumours, excluding them from activities, gossiping, or deliberately withholding information needed for a job.

Manipulation and undermining

Manipulation and undermining are often overlooked forms of bullying in the workplace. This may involve tactics such as applying unrealistic pressure and expectations, offering empty promises, constant criticism, and humiliation. For example, if an employer promises a promotion but denies it later, the employee may question their own memory or understanding. This form of manipulation is called gaslighting, and can leave individuals feeling powerless and confused.

How common is workplace bullying?

Unfortunately, workplace bullying is more common than you might realise. According to Safe Work Australia, 1 in 10 people reported being bullied in the workplace in 2016. While this statistic is already high, it may not be the true extent of the problem as a lot of workplace bullying goes unreported. A 2019 research study by the University of South Australia suggests that up to two-thirds of workers may experience unfair treatment while working.

The issue of workplace bullying partly stems from systemic issues and the lack of protective measures at work. Research from the aforementioned 2019 report shows evidence that often workplace bullying is a reflection of how the organisation functions, as opposed to interpersonal problems between staff members. This means that workplaces with a positive culture and well-implemented systems (e.g. strong management practices, clear policies, accountability practices) are less likely to have bullying issues.

How to deal with bullying in the workplace

No one deserves to be bullied at work. A workplace should be a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. If you or someone you know is dealing with workplace bullying, there are ways to deal with it – both interpersonally and within the workplace.

1. Understand that it is never ok

If you are experiencing workplace bullying, it’s important to understand that it’s not your fault. Often, people who bully others have underlying issues, such as low self-esteem, a desire to gain power, lack of remorse, or lack of awareness about their behaviour. When it feels safe, try communicating with the person to explain how their actions are affecting you. However, your workplace also has a responsibility to make sure the environment is safe for all. Therefore, lean on your managers or Human Resources (HR) department for support when confronting the bully and taking action.

2. Make a private record of the events

Keep a personal record of the events to help you remember the specifics of what happened. Within these records, document the time and place of where the harassment took place, the person who was involved, the specifics of what they were doing or saying, any witnesses of the events, and the mental and/or physical impact on you. Having a clear, consistent record can strengthen your case if you need to escalate the matter.

3. Speak to HR or a manager

Take your private records to HR or a trusted manager and clearly outline what’s been going on and the impact it has been having on you. HR or management will often try and sort things out through mediation. In more serious instances, they may issue a formal warning or even terminate the offender. If HR or management are not helping, you can submit an anti-bullying form to the Fair Work Commission. The Fair Work Commission will investigate the harassment and work towards a resolution, which may involve mediation, conferences, or a hearing.

4. Remove yourself from the situation

Once the issue is in the hands of HR, management, or the Fair Work Commission, focus on removing yourself from interactions with the bully. You may request adjustments, such as changes in work assignments or team structures, to minimise contact and protect your mental wellbeing.

5. Prioritise your mental health

Bullying in the workplace can be extremely stressful, upsetting, and emotionally taxing. Repeated negative experiences in the workplace can lead to anxiety, feelings of shame, poor self-esteem, withdrawing from social situations, and depression.

It’s important to take care of yourself. If you have experienced workplace bullying and are struggling to overcome these actions, it’s worth speaking to a psychologist or mental health counsellor. A professional can provide the tools and strategies you need to develop coping strategies, be kind to yourself, understand what’s happened, rebuild your confidence and foster resilience in the face of adversity.