Workplace bullying and harassment

Reporting and resolving concerns about bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, stalking or victimisation in the workplace.

Bullying in the workplace: how we define it

Bullying is unwanted behaviour, from a person or group, that undermines, threatens, humiliates, causes physical or emotional harm or makes someone feel vulnerable by being either:   

  • offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting 
  • an abuse or misuse of power 

This may: 

  • be a regular pattern of behaviour or a one-off incident 
  • happen face to face, on social media, in emails or calls 
  • happen at work or in other work-related situations 
  • not always be obvious or noticed by others 

Examples of bullying at work include: 

  • someone has spread a malicious rumour about you 
  • someone keeps belittling or undermining you in meetings 
  • someone holding back information or deliberately "losing" information that you need to do your job 
  • being excluded from team social events 
  • someone has put humiliating, offensive or threatening comments or photos on social media 
  • you are deliberately given unachievable deadlines or targets with the aim of setting you up to fail 
  • someone suggesting or implying that reporting bullying will negatively impact your career, or you will be seen as a 'troublemaker’ 
  • someone who reports to you keeps undermining your authority, known as upward bullying  

Bullying is not: 

  • being held accountable for your performance or inappropriate behaviour 
  • constructive feedback 
  • conflict or difference of opinions 

The difference between bullying and performance management 

Performance management is not the same as bullying. 

It is not considered to be bullying if your manager is:  

  • giving you work to do that is achievable for your capabilities and work load 
  • managing your performance using an informal or formal process  
  • acting in a professional and supportive way 

If you do feel that your manager’s behaviour towards you is unacceptable or not supportive, you can talk to them about it.  

If you do not feel like you can do this, there are other ways you can report bullying or harassment at work. 

Upward bullying 

Upward bullying is when a colleague bullies a more senior colleague or manager. It can be from one colleague or a group of colleagues.  

Examples of upward bullying can include: 

  • showing continued disrespect 
  • refusing to complete tasks 
  • spreading rumours 
  • doing things to make you seem unskilled or unable to do your job properly 

As a line manager, you should feel safe and supported in your role.  

It can be difficult if you’re in a senior role to realise you’re experiencing bullying behaviour from your colleagues. However, having a senior position does not make you immune to the impact and effects of bullying and we will take any allegations just as seriously as any other. 

Dealing with upward bullying

If you feel you are being bullied and or harassed by people who report to you, try to resolve the matter informally first by:  

  • talking to them and finding out why they are behaving in this way 
  • setting expectations about their behaviour 
  • discussing any support they may need 

If their behaviour continues to be a concern, or if the issue is too serious to resolve informally, seek advice from your manager or People Support.

These cases should be investigated as potential misconduct under the disciplinary process, rather than through a formal grievance.

Senior management within your service should support you throughout the process.

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