Bullying and Harassment

In the workplace, as in all of life, everyone deserves the right to go about their business without being subject to bullying or harassment.  However, such insidious practices continue to take place.  If you are being targeted in the course of your employment, or as an employer you are unsure how to deal with this type of situation, Blossom Lawyers is here for you.

What Is Bullying?

Under the law, bullying occurs when a person(s) endures repeated and unreasonable acts against them, including acts with potential risks to health and safety.  This behaviour may manifest in several ways – e.g., aggressive behaviour, teasing or practical jokes, pressure to behave inappropriately, exclusion from work-related events, or unreasonable work demands.

National anti-bullying laws cover most workplaces, as well as outworkers, work experience students, contractors and/or subcontractors, and volunteers. 

What Isn't Bullying?

The Fair Work Commission's approach to what is not bullying is encompassed by the following description: "reasonable management action being carried out in a reasonable way".  It pays to remember that an employer or manager is within their rights to make decisions based on poor employee performance, to take disciplinary action, and to direct and control how work is done.

Are Bullying and Discrimination the Same?

No.  Discrimination occurs when someone is treated less favorably than others because of a personal attribute they have, such as their gender, age, sexual orientation, or medical condition to name a few.  For more information on discrimination and how Blossom Lawyers can help you, click here.