What is workplace bullying?
Workplace bullying is repeated unreasonable behaviour directed at a worker that creates a risk to health and safety.
Workplace bullying is repeated, unreasonable behaviour directed towards a worker (or group of workers) that creates a risk to health and safety. A single incident isn't bullying, but a pattern of behaviour can be — even if each individual act seems minor.
It can include verbal abuse, intimidation, exclusion, spreading rumours, or setting impossible deadlines. Reasonable management action carried out in a reasonable way (like performance reviews) is not bullying.
Key facts
- •Must be repeated behaviour — a one-off incident is not bullying
- •Must create a risk to health and safety
- •Can include verbal, physical, or psychological behaviour
- •Reasonable management action done reasonably is not bullying
- •You can apply to the Fair Work Commission for a stop-bullying order
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Employment CheckFrequently asked questions
What can I do if I'm being bullied at work?
Document everything, report it to your manager or HR, and if it continues, apply to the Fair Work Commission for a stop-bullying order. You can also contact your state's workplace health and safety regulator.
Is workplace bullying the same as harassment?
They overlap but aren't identical. Harassment often involves discrimination based on a protected attribute (like gender or race), while bullying focuses on repeated unreasonable behaviour regardless of the reason.
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General information and estimates only — not legal, financial or tax advice. Always check your specific award, agreement or contract, or a qualified professional, before you rely on the result.