Unfortunately, workplace bullying is still a serious issue in Australia that affects many employees. In fact, recent studies indicate that around 10-15% of Australian employees have experienced workplace bullying at some point in their careers. 

As well as affecting your career, workplace bullying behaviour can have serious implications on your mental health. Many people who have experienced bullying suffer from anxiety, depression, and other stress-related disorders. Therefore, it’s so important for us all to understand our rights at work. Knowing the steps you can take can empower you to address the situation effectively and quickly. 

Understanding Workplace Bullying: What is it? 

Being bullied at work involves repeated and unreasonable behaviour directed towards an individual or group. Bullying can also manifest in various forms, including verbal abuse, intimidation, exclusion, and spreading false rumours.

So how do you know when you’re being bullied? 

Firstly, it’s essential to differentiate between workplace bullying and reasonable management actions. For example, performance reviews and disciplinary actions fall under regular management tactics. As long as these actions are conducted appropriately, they are not considered workplace bullying.

Not only can bullying at work create a risk to your safety, but it can leave detrimental damage to your mental health. 

Impact of Workplace Bullying on Mental Health

The mental health implications of workplace bullying are serious. Victims often experience:

• Increased absenteeism and presenteeism
• Decreased job satisfaction
• Anxiety and depression
• Physical symptoms like headaches and sleep disturbances. 

Dealing with Workplace Bullying Step by Step 

Here are some of the most important steps you can take;

Step 1: Recognise the Signs of Workplace Bullying

The first step to identifying bullying at work is addressing it. Signs of bullying might include:

• Aggressive or intimidating behaviour,
• Humiliating or belittling comments,
• Unreasonable work demands,
• Exclusion from work-related activities. 

If you notice these behaviours happening to you, or a colleague, it’s important to acknowledge them as potential workplace bullying.

Step 2: Document all Workplace Bullying Incidents

Keeping a detailed record of each bullying incident can prove instrumental to proving bullying is taking place at your workplace. Steps on how to document the bullying include:

• Taking note of the date, time, and location of the bullying incident,
• Writing a detailed description of what was said or done,
• List all of the names of any witnesses to the bullying, 
• Describe how the incident made you feel. 

This documentation can serve as evidence if further action is required. Additionally, it could help experts identify patterns of bullying behaviour.

Step 3: Review Your Workplace Bullying Policy

The next step is to check your workplace’s bullying and harassment policy. Most organisations in Australia are required to have such a policy in place. Usually, it will outline the procedures for reporting and addressing bullying. We recommend familiarising yourself with these procedures to understand your rights and available support systems.

Step 4: Speak Up Early

If you feel safe, consider addressing the bully directly. Calmly express how their behaviour affects you and request that it stops. When doing so, it’s best to use assertive body language and maintain a composed demeanour. Sometimes this approach can halt the behaviour if the bully is unaware of their impact. 

Step 5: Report the Bullying

However, if the behaviour continues, report the bullying to a supervisor, manager, or human resources representative. Give them your documented incidents and express your concerns. Ensure these conversations are confidential and inquire about who else will be informed.

Step 6: Seek External Support

If internal measures fail to resolve the issue, you should seek external support. For example, you can contact:

• The Fair Work Commission for a stop bullying order,
• Australian Human Rights Commission for complaints about discrimination,
• Or the state or territory workplace health and safety bodies for advice and assistance. 

Not only can these organisations provide guidance, but they can potentially intervene to stop the bullying.

Step 7: Take Care of Your Mental Health

As mentioned, bullying can significantly affect your mental health. It can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression. Engaging in activities outside of work, like playing sports or practising hobbies, might make you feel better. Building a support network of friends and family can also provide emotional relief.

However, if this does not work, you might wish to consider seeking professional help from a therapist or counsellor specialising in trauma. 

Step 8: Consider Legal Action

In severe cases where bullying persists despite you taking all appropriate steps, you should consult with an employment lawyer. 

An employment lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and explore potential legal actions. Legal advice can clarify the best course of action based on your situation.

Bullying at work, how do we fix this worrying trend? 

Creating a supportive work environment and addressing bullying promptly can help reduce the effects of bullying, whilst promoting a healthier workplace culture.

Addressing workplace bullying requires a proactive approach, from ensuring you can recognise the signs, to knowing how to seek external support. Remember, you are not alone in this, and resources are available to support you in creating a safe and respectful work environment.