Bullying

What is bullying?

Examples of workplace bullying include:

• offensive language
• intimidating behaviour
• belittling comments
• practical jokes
• unjustified criticism.

Bullying in the workplace is often the result of poor workplace culture supported by an environment which allows this behaviour to occur. Identifying and addressing bullying and other workplace conflicts early helps promote respectful behaviour and prevents bullying from becoming accepted behaviour.

If you are a worker, for more information about workplace bullying and the assistance Comcare can provide in these cases, see Dealing with Workplace Bullying and Requesting Comcare Assistance information sheet for workers (PDF, 184.7 KB).

Resources for employers

Resources to assist employers to fulfil their responsibilities:

• Preventing and Responding to Workplace Bullying guide
• Framework for Developing a Bullying Policy checklist for employers (PDF, 228.0 KB)
• People at Work - this free risk assessment tool helps workplaces identify key psychosocial hazards in the workplace, such as bullying and occupational violence, and provides guidance on practical ways to manage them.
• Having a harassment officer – sometimes known as a contact officer, equal opportunity officer or equity contact officer – in place for workers to speak to.

Workplace bullying support pack for employers:

• Workplace Bullying factsheet (PDF, 181.4 KB)
• Managing Difficult Conversations and Providing Feedback factsheet (PDF, 179.4 KB)
• Responding to Workplace Bullying pocket guide (PDF, 169.6 KB)
• Two Minute Toolbox Talk to Team Leaders script (PDF, 181.6 KB)
• Workplace Bullying Prevention self-assessment tool (PDF, 146.7 KB)
• Example Workplace Bullying Survey administration instructions (PDF, 157.6 KB)

Resources for employees, workers and others

Resources for employees, workers and others concerned about inappropriate workplace behaviour or bullying:

• Dealing with Workplace Bullying guide – for workers who believe they are experiencing or witnessing bullying and those who have had a bullying report made against them
• Dealing with Workplace Bullying and Requesting Comcare Assistance information sheet for workers (PDF, 184.7 KB)
• Workplace Bullying factsheet – by Australian Human Rights Commission
• Fair Work Commission Anti-Bullying Measures – workers who believe they are being bullied at work can apply to the Fair Work Commission for an order to stop bullying. The Commission has timeframes in which to undertake a review and will work with you and your employer.