What Is Bullying at Work?
Bullying is offensive, intimidating, malicious, or insulting behaviour that creates a hostile working environment. It can be:
- Repeated or one off
- Subtle or obvious
- In person or online
- From managers, colleagues, or even customers
Examples include:
- Shouting or aggressive behaviour
- Humiliation or ridicule
- Excluding someone from work activities
- Unfair criticism
- Spreading rumours
- Undermining work or confidence
- Misuse of power or position
Bullying itself is not always illegal — but it becomes unlawful when linked to a protected characteristic.
What Is Harassment at Work? (Legal Definition)
Harassment is unlawful under the Equality Act 2010 when it relates to a protected characteristic:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender reassignment
- Race
- Religion or belief
- Sex
- Sexual orientation, pregnancy & maternity
Harassment is behaviour that violates your dignity and creates a hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment. Examples include:
- Sexist or racist comments
- Mocking disability
- Sexual jokes or unwanted advances
- Misgendering
- Offensive messages or images
- Religious insults
Your Rights If You're Being Bullied or Harassed
1. A Safe Working Environment
Employers must protect your physical and mental wellbeing.
2. Report Concerns Without Retaliation
It is unlawful for employers to punish you for raising concerns.
3. A Fair Investigation
Your employer must:
- Investigate impartially
- Interview relevant parties
- Review evidence
- Keep matters confidential
4. Reasonable Adjustments (If Related to Disability)
If bullying worsens a disability or mental health condition, adjustments may be required.
5. Protection From Victimisation
You cannot be punished for:
- Making a complaint
- Supporting someone else's complaint
- Raising discrimination concerns
How to Recognise Bullying & Harassment
Behavioural Signs
- Being singled out unfairly
- Being excluded from meetings or communication
- Being blamed for things outside your control
- Being undermined publicly or privately
Emotional Signs
- Anxiety
- Loss of confidence
- Stress or burnout
- Dreading work
Workplace Signs
- High turnover
- Toxic culture
- Inconsistent treatment
- Favouritism
What Employers Must Do
Employers have a legal duty of care and must:
- Prevent bullying and harassment
- Have clear policies
- Train managers
- Investigate complaints properly
- Take action where needed
- Protect employees from retaliation
Failure to do so may be negligence, discrimination, or constructive dismissal.
How to Report Bullying or Harassment
1. Keep a Record
Document:
- Dates
- Times
- What happened
- Witnesses
- Emails or messages
2. Raise the Issue Informally (Optional)
You can speak to:
- Your manager
- HR
- A trusted colleague
If this feels unsafe, skip to the formal stage.
3. Raise a Formal Grievance
A grievance forces your employer to:
- Investigate
- Take action
- Provide a written outcome
4. Escalate If Necessary
If the process is unfair, you may be able to:
- Appeal
- Claim discrimination
- Claim constructive dismissal
- Take legal action
When Bullying or Harassment Becomes Unlawful
It becomes unlawful when:
- Linked to a protected characteristic
- It creates a hostile environment
- It affects your health and safety
- Your employer fails to act
- You are punished for complaining
How to Protect Yourself
- Keep detailed evidence
- Save emails, messages, screenshots
- Follow up conversations in writing
- Request a witness in meetings
- Raise concerns early
- Seek support from a representative
- Consider a formal grievance if behaviour continues