Audio Version
I used to wake up each morning with a spark of excitement, my mind brimming with ideas and my heart full of purpose. My job was my dream…
…A place where I could strengthen my skills, channel my creativity, and thrive amongst other like-minded allies who shared the same passion. But slowly, that light within me dimmed. The whispers behind my back became louder, the snide remarks sharper and more direct, and the once-collaborative environment turned hostile.
I was alone. I found myself dreading the very place I once knew and loved. My confidence eroded with every passive-aggressive comment, damning email belittling my efforts, and undermining conduct in meetings which had me both blind-sided and humiliated with nowhere to hide. The joy I once felt was replaced by sleepless nights and a knot in my stomach which grew tighter with every passing day. My passion for work hadn’t disappeared—it was suffocated under the weight of relentless bullying, intimidation, and victimisation which left me disillusioned and questioning my self-worth. My dream job was now my worst nightmare.
Does this sound like your experience?
The Beyond Bullying Association estimates that 2.5 to 5 million (up to 18.5%) Australians will experience workplace bullying or harassment at some point during their career (AHRC, 2024). True rates are likely to be higher as not all incidents of bullying are reported for various reasons, including fear, stigma, shame, lack of awareness, normalisation, lack of support systems, belief that nothing will change, and concern for future career prospects.
Being the victim of workplace bullying is an incredibly difficult position to be in emotionally, mentally, and physically. It often starts more subtly, such as receiving dismissive comments, being excluded, or assigned meaningless tasks unrelated to your role. The harmful behaviour can escalate into outright intimidation, sabotage, or public shaming. The impact of workplace bullying doesn’t end at the office; it seeps into your personal life, straining relationships, and diminishing your ability to feel any sense of joy and motivation.
Without the right intervention, this distressing situation can seem dark and inescapable. It’s impossible to see clearly beyond the mental fog. I am here to reassure you that you are not alone, and you are not stuck. You don’t deserve what is happening to you, despite how disempowered you might feel. There are several steps you can take to address the situation and protect yourself. Of course, the appropriate action depends on the severity of the bullying, the workplace policies, and your comfort level. Here are some potential options:
- Document everything. Keep a record of bullying incidents, dates, times, locations, what happened and whether there were any witnesses. This can be valuable if you need to escalate the matter;
- Try your best to maintain your composure and avoid retaliating until you have thought things through. Unfortunately, any adverse reactions may conveniently be used against you, such as placing you under a behaviour or performance review even if you know you’ve been doing a great job;
- Address the bully (only if it’s safe to do so). Sometimes, letting them know that their behaviour is having a negative impact on you can allow them to make positive changes, particularly if they were unaware or value your professional relationship enough;
- Seek support from a trusted colleague. This may help to validate your experience so that you don’t feel like you are imagining things or being overly dramatic;
- Reach out to Human Resources or Management. Most workplaces have anti-bullying and harassment policies. Report the issue and provide documentation to back up your claims. File a formal complaint;
- If you are part of a union, contact your representative for advice and assistance. Unions often have experience handling similar cases;
- Know your rights. Some forms of bullying, such as discrimination based on gender, race, or disability, may be illegal. It is also unlawful if your employer is denying access to your entitlements including sick leave, annual leave, or paid overtime. External bodies, such as Fair Work Ombudsman (W: https://www.fairwork.gov.au/) could give you some advice;
- If you believe that these aversive workplace incidents have resulted in mental and/or physical injury, you may be able to access professional and financial support through workers compensation. Agencies vary between states and territories. For NSW, find out more at https://www.sira.nsw.gov.au/;
- Consider leaving. If the bullying continues and the workplace fails to take action, it might be worth preserving your well-being by exploring other job opportunities that can offer healthier work environments;
- Prioritise self-care by setting some boundaries, taking time off if you need it, and speaking to someone you trust, such as family, friends, your GP, or a therapist. Workplace bullying can destroy your mental health, so addressing the emotional impacts sooner rather than later is crucial.
Addressing workplace bullying head on is extremely challenging, but necessary. If the issue remains undealt with, repeated exposure to persistent bullying behaviours in any environment can lead to isolation, insomnia, low self-worth, helplessness, severe depression and anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts. This is why putting a stop to workplace bullying is so important – not only to protect the well-being of all members but also to foster a culture of respect, collaboration, and accountability without the daily fear of intimidation or mistreatment.
We all have the right to work in a safe environment that is free from bullying. Together, we can challenge toxic behaviours and reclaim lost confidence. If you are being bullied, stand up and speak up. Your future self will thank you for it.