What to do if you’re bullied at work

There are actions you can take straightaway if you think someone is bullying you at work.

Get support

Talk to someone you trust about the bullying. This might be your manager, a friend, a union representative or a health professional.

Talk to the person

You could tell the person their behaviour is inappropriate and ask them to stop. But only if you feel safe.

You don’t have to speak to the person or talk to anyone else about what happened before coming to the Commission. It’s your choice.

Speak to your work

Support may be available at your work to solve the bullying issue. If it's safe, and there is someone you trust, start by speaking to your:

• supervisor or manager
• human resources department
• health and safety representative
• union representative.

Consider making a formal complaint

Your workplace may already have bullying policies and processes in place. Consider whether to make a formal complaint to human resources or your manager.

Apply to the Commission to stop workplace bullying

If these actions don’t help, or it's not safe for you to act, you can apply to stop the bullying at work. First, make sure you are eligible.

Take care of your wellbeing

Your workplace may have an employee assistance program (EAP). You may be able to use this to access free professional counselling.

Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 any time if you need immediate emotional support.

Call the police

If the bullying behaviour involves allegations of physical assault or damage to property, contact the police.

Under work, health and safety laws, employers must provide a safe place of work. Many local authorities can help with complaints about workplace safety. Contact your local work health and safety authority.

ACT: WorkSafe ACT

NSW: SafeWork NSW

NT: NT Worksafe

Qld: Workplace Health and Safety Queensland

SA: Safework SA

Tas: Worksafe Tasmania

Vic: Worksafe Victoria

WA: Worksafe WA

For Australian Government employees, nationwide: Comcare