Workplace harassment and bullying is a serious health and safety breach. This refers to the behaviours that intimidate, offend, degrade or humiliate a person, or group of individuals at work. This can be against race, gender, religion, age, disability, or sexual orientation that violates a person’s dignity and can be deeply distressing, especially when it happens repeatedly or is not addressed.
A workplace must recognise that bullying is a health risk and act swiftly on complaints with clear policy and processes in place to do so. A workplace has legal obligations to provide an environment where workers feel safe at work. Staff should be able to report concerns about harassment and bullying, and a confidential reporting process to do this.
A workplace can foster a culture of respect and zero-tolerance policy on harassment and bullying and ensure all staff are trained and are able to recognise, prevent and respond to bullying and harassment. By promoting inclusive values and respectful workplace behaviour this can set the foundation of expectations and conduct for everyone.
The impact of workplace bullying can lead to serious mental and physical issues for staff, such as:
· Stress and anxiety
· Depression
· Sleep issues
· High blood pressure
· PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) can result in severe cases
These issues can lead to safety risk concerns in the workplace through distractions, decreased alertness and errors which can increase workplace accidents.
Addressing the issue promptly allows the workplace to provide support to staff throughout the investigation process. Support could include –
· Provide access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) for counselling.
· Flexible work arrangements or time off if the person needs space to recover.
· Where possible ensure parties involved are separated at work to reduce stress.
· Assign a trusted mentor or peer support to help them reintegrate or regain confidence and feel safe at work.
Promoting a culture of respect, teamwork and inclusion, along with effective communication on zero tolerance for harassment and bullying can significantly reduce this behaviour and provide a safe and caring environment for all staff.
For further information go to WorkSafe and access their bullying prevention toolbox this has tools and resources for guidance.
Other resources –
WorkWell – Mental Health and Wellbeing
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