I'm being bullied at work
What constitutes bullying, how to document it, and where to get help.
What is workplace bullying?
Workplace bullying is repeated unreasonable behaviour directed at an employee that creates a risk to health and safety. It can include: verbal abuse, intimidation, exclusion, spreading rumours, assigning meaningless tasks, withholding information, setting impossible deadlines, or changing work arrangements to disadvantage someone. A single instance of unreasonable behaviour is not bullying, but it may still be unacceptable.
What it's not
Reasonable management action carried out in a reasonable manner is not bullying. This includes: performance feedback, disciplinary action, allocation of work, reasonable directions about how work should be done, and decisions about restructuring or redundancy. However, if these actions are done in an unreasonable way, they could constitute bullying.
Document everything
Keep a written record of every incident: date, time, location, what happened, who was involved, and any witnesses. Save emails, messages, or other evidence. This documentation is essential if you need to make a formal complaint or apply to the Fair Work Commission.
What to do
1. Talk to someone you trust — a colleague, union rep, or support person. 2. Report it through your workplace's grievance procedure. 3. Contact your state's WHS regulator if there's a safety risk. 4. Apply to the Fair Work Commission for a stop-bullying order. 5. Contact 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or Lifeline (13 11 14) for support.
Fair Work Commission orders
You can apply to the Fair Work Commission for a stop-bullying order if you're being bullied at work and the bullying is at risk of continuing. The FWC can make orders requiring the employer or individual to stop the bullying behaviour. There is no application fee.
Official resources
General information and estimates only — not legal, financial, or tax advice. Always verify with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified professional.