Bullying

Workplace bullying involves consistent and unfair behaviour towards a worker or group, which negatively impacts their wellbeing and safety. This can include verbal abuse, social exclusion, or unfair work practices. Bullying is not a one-time incident; it's a pattern of behaviour that creates a toxic and unsafe work environment. Understanding and addressing bullying is vital for a healthy workplace.

Workplace bullying under the Fair Work Act

Under the Fair Work Act, a worker is bullied at work if a person or group repeatedly behaves unreasonably towards them and that behaviour creates a risk to health and safety. Reasonable management action carried out in a reasonable way, such as fair performance management, is not bullying. A worker can apply to the Fair Work Commission for an order to stop bullying, and employers must also manage the risk under work health and safety laws. For example, repeatedly excluding a colleague from meetings and belittling their work in front of others may be bullying.

Read our guide to bullying in the workplace, or talk to us about employee relations support if a complaint has been made.