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Workplace Bullying

Workplace bullying is repeated and unreasonable behaviour directed towards a worker or group of workers that creates a risk to health and safety.

Bullying and similar harmful behaviour can also occur in churches, schools, community groups, sporting clubs and other organisations or institutions. It may affect employees, volunteers, students, participants, parishioners, members or others connected with an organisation.

The behaviour may be direct or indirect and can occur in person, online or through other forms of communication. It may come from a colleague, manager, supervisor, leader, volunteer, member, client, customer or another person connected with the organisation.

Bullying can be difficult to recognise, particularly when the behaviour is subtle or develops over time. Understanding how it may occur can help individuals and organisations identify concerning behaviour and consider appropriate action.

The workplace bullying information and examples below are consistent with guidance from Safe Work Australia, the Fair Work Ombudsman and the Fair Work Commission. Definitions and available pathways may differ in other organisational or institutional settings.

  • Acting aggressively, making threats or using intimidating behaviour towards a worker.

  • Repeatedly criticising a worker without a reasonable basis or making unjustified complaints about their conduct or performance.

  • Giving a worker unreasonable deadlines, excessive workloads or tasks that are significantly above or below their level of skill without an appropriate reason.

  • Subjecting a worker to repeated practical jokes, teasing, initiation practices or humiliating activities.

  • Using email, messaging platforms, social media or other technologies to intimidate, humiliate, exclude or repeatedly target a worker.

  • Using insults, offensive remarks, degrading language or repeated verbal attacks.

  • Deliberately leaving a worker out of meetings, communications, training, workplace events or other activities relevant to their role.

  • Making comments or taking actions intended to undermine, embarrass or humiliate a worker.

  • Repeatedly withholding information or resources a worker needs to perform their role effectively.

  • Sharing malicious rumours or making repeated comments intended to damage a worker’s reputation or relationships.

What may not be workplace bullying

Not every disagreement or difficult workplace interaction is workplace bullying. A single incident of unreasonable behaviour may not meet the definition of workplace bullying, although it may still need to be addressed.

Reasonable management action carried out in a reasonable way is not workplace bullying. This may include:

  • giving reasonable feedback about work performance

  • directing how work should be carried out

  • taking appropriate disciplinary action

  • managing poor performance

  • making reasonable decisions about work allocation

The circumstances and the way an action is carried out are important when assessing whether behaviour may constitute workplace bullying. Learn more about what is and is not workplace bullying.

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Finding Information and Support

If you experience abuse or harmful behaviour within an organisation or institution, you may be unsure what to do, who to speak with or where to seek support.

Visit our Abuse Information and Support page for practical information to help you consider your options, raise a concern and find appropriate support, including if you feel uncertain about reporting what happened.

Support through Kooyoora

Kooyoora manages complaints and conducts independent and impartial investigations into professional misconduct, abuse, harassment, bullying and other concerns.

If you work, volunteer or participate in an organisation that uses Kooyoora's services, you can contact Kooyoora directly. Our team can listen to your concerns, provide information and help you understand the options available to you.

If you are an organisational leader dealing with concerning behaviour, Kooyoora can provide advice and services to help you manage the matter and determine appropriate next steps.

Kooyoora also provides brief to medium-term counselling services to anyone over the age of 18 and supports eligible individuals participating in redress schemes.

Learn About Our Services