Both bullying and harassment are entirely unacceptable in the workplace. Bullying involves negative behaviour being targeted at an individual, or individuals, repeatedly and persistently over time, whilst harassment is unwanted behaviour that violates a person’s dignity or creates a hostile environment and is related to something personal about the individual such as their race, gender or age etc.
Understanding bullying and harassment
Bullying
Bullying is typically characterised by repeated, intentionally aggressive behaviour over time that is meant to intimidate or harm someone. It can be verbal, physical, or even social. Examples of workplace bullying might include:
- Verbal Abuse – Yelling or using derogatory language towards a colleague.
- Isolation – Deliberately excluding someone from meetings or social events.
- Undermining Work – Constantly critiquing or sabotaging a colleague’s work without valid reasons.
Harassment
Harassment, on the other hand, is unwanted behaviour that violates a person’s dignity or creates a hostile environment and is related to one of the following:
- age
- sex
- disability
- gender (including gender reassignment)
- marriage and civil partnership
- pregnancy and maternity
- race
- religion or belief
- sexual orientation
Workplace harassment also includes sexual harassment, which encompasses a range of unwanted behaviours of a sexual nature, including:
- Unwelcome Advances – Making inappropriate comments or physical gestures towards a colleague.
- Sexually Suggestive Jokes – Sharing jokes that are sexual in nature, especially when they create discomfort.
- Inappropriate Touching – Any form of physical contact that is unwanted or non-consensual.
The law specifically protects individuals from sexual harassment at work, making it clear that such behaviour is unlawful and can lead to serious repercussions for the perpetrator and the employer if they fail to take action.
When and where can it occur?
These unacceptable behaviours can occur in a range of situations and channels:
- face-to-face
- by phone or text
- by email or letter
- On social networks
- In and out of work hours
How can bullying or harassment make you feel?
Bullying can impact on your health, for example:
- It can result in psychological health problems such as depression, anxiety or low self-esteem
- It can result in physical health problems such as stomach problems, or sleep difficulties
- If you’ve witnessed the bullying of a colleague, this can also be very upsetting and can impact your mental health.
- Your performance at work can be affected.
What can I do?
If you suspect you are experiencing bullying or harassment, it’s crucial to take action. Here are some steps you can follow:
1. Document everything
Keep a record of incidents, including dates, times, witnesses, and details of what occurred. This documentation can be vital if you decide to report the behaviour.
2. Review company policy
Review your company’s policy on bullying and harassment so that you have a clear idea of what is expected with regards to appropriate behaviour at work and how you can report any concerns you may have.
3. Talk to someone
If you aren’t sure about formally reporting any incidents (via your ClearTalents profile or by approaching HR directly), reach out to a trusted colleague or friend for support. Sometimes just sharing your experience can help clarify the situation.
4. Report the behaviour
If you feel safe doing so, consider addressing the issue directly with the person involved. Sometimes, they may not even be aware that their behaviour is affecting you. However, if you don’t feel comfortable doing this – or have any concerns whatsoever about doing this yourself – report it to your line manager or HR department.
5. Utilise support services
Many companies offer employee assistance programmes (EAPs) that provide confidential counselling and support. These resources can be invaluable in helping you navigate the emotional and practical aspects of dealing with bullying or harassment. These resources should be identified within your company’s policy or employee handbook.
6. Seek external advice
If the situation doesn’t improve after reporting it internally, you may want to seek external advice. This could include contacting advisory bodies such as:
- ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service): They provide free advice on workplace rights and can help mediate disputes. They also have a helpline at 0300 123 1100 (Textphone: 18001 0300 123 1100)
- Citizens Advice: They can offer legal advice and support for those dealing with workplace issues.
Know your rights
Under UK law, employees are protected from harassment and bullying at work. The Equality Act 2010 ensures that no one should face discrimination or harassment based on protected characteristics, including gender. If you feel that your employer is not addressing your concerns adequately, you may have the right to pursue legal action, but it’s advisable to seek professional legal advice first. Here is information on the Gov UK website about bullying and harassment at work.
No place for inappropriate behaviour
Recognising and addressing bullying and harassment at work is essential for maintaining a positive work environment. By understanding what constitutes these behaviours and knowing how to respond, employees can take proactive steps to protect themselves and create a healthier workplace for everyone. Remember, you are not alone, and there are resources available to support you in navigating challenging situations.