WorkSafe NZ defines workplace bullying as repeated and unreasonable behaviour directed towards a worker or a group of workers that can lead to physical or psychological harm. The behaviour is persistent (occurs more than once) and can involve a range of actions over time.
Bullying can be carried out in a variety of ways including face to face, through email, text messaging, internet chat rooms or other social media channels (called cyberbullying).
Bullying can include;
· belittling remarks,
· undermining integrity,
· lies being told,
· sense of judgement questioned,
· opinions marginalised,
· attacking a person’s beliefs, attitude, lifestyle or appearance, gender references,
· verbal abuse or physical attacks
· excluding someone
· giving unachievable tasks,
· impossible deadlines,
· unmanageable workloads,
· constant criticism of work,
· unreasonable or inappropriate monitoring or denial of opportunities.
Upward bullying can include;
· showing continued disrespect to manager/ team lead,
· refusing to complete tasks,
· spreading rumours,
· constantly undermining someone's authority.
Bullying is not:
• One-off/occasional instances of forgetfulness, rudeness or tactlessness
• Setting high performance standards
• Constructive feedback/legitimate advice/peer review
• Warning or disciplining workers within the boundaries of the organisation’s policies and/or code of conduct
• A single incident of unreasonable behaviour • Reasonable management actions delivered in a reasonable way
• Differences in opinion/personality clashes that do not escalate into bullying, harassment or violence.
You should deal with all undesirable work behaviours (even one-off incidents) regardless of whether the behaviours fall under the above definition of bullying. Such behaviours can escalate and should not be ignored.
Sadly bullying is prevalent in New Zealand workplaces, One in 10 workers in Aotearoa feels discriminated against, harassed, or bullied at work. The person who is subject to bullying is often highly competent and may be seen as a threat to the person bullying them. They’re often non-confrontational and tend to be ethical and honest. Studies show they’re also likely to be part of a minority or marginalised community
Effects of bullying
· Anxiety, stress, fatigue and burnout
· Reduced coping strategies
· Low self-esteem
· Feelings of reduced personal control and helplessness
· Decreased emotional wellbeing
· Increased likelihood of drug and alcohol abuse as a coping mechanism
· Post-traumatic stress disorder
· Serious physical or mental health issues including depression and suicide attempts
· Deterioration in health
The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA) is New Zealand’s key work health and safety legislation. It sets out the work health and safety duties that must be complied with.All work and workplaces are covered by HSWA unless specifically excluded.
This means that by law you must do everything you can to reduce risks to your staff.
Worksafe state “that risks to health and safety arise from people being exposed to hazards (anything that can cause harm, such as bullying). You are expected to manage work risks effectively. You must understand how to manage any changes to work processes or organisational changes that may increase risks, and make sure any new risks are managed. Under HSWA, risks must be eliminated so far as is reasonably practicable. If a risk can’t be eliminated, it must be minimised so far as is reasonably practicable.”
To create a positive workplace environment to discourage bullying behaviour, ensure your workplace has
· Strong and well communicated policies and processes regarding bullying
· Leadership commitment to preventing bullying and intervening when it occurs
· Positive communication
· Practices that affirm diversity
· Discuss what bullying is and expected behaviours with teams on a regular basis
· Have a range of ways people can speak up
· Encourage staff/ managers to be upstanders
Upstanders are people who notice bullying behaviour and address it to help someone who is being bullied. Bystanders, in contrast, are people who notice bullying behaviour but don’t – or cannot – help
Where to go for help
Getting help and advice – Mental Health Foundation
Bullying Prevention – Mental Health Foundation
Pink Shirt Day is on Friday 17 May 2024. By taking part in Pink Shirt Day 2024 you will be doing your part to eliminate bullying by celebrating diversity and promoting kindness and inclusion. Kōrero Mai, Kōrero Atu, Mauri Tū, Mauri Ora – Speak Up, Stand Together, Stop Bullying!
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