After hearing another sarcastic comment about your work output in a meeting, someone leans over to you and says, “That’s just how they are. Try not to let it get to you".
You nod, even though your stomach tightens.
From then on, you decide to start preparing for meetings differently — speaking less, second-guessing yourself more.
You start to wonder: If this keeps happening, shouldn’t something change?
Photo by Headway on UnsplashTaking action against workplace bullying helps create a respectful and inclusive environment where everyone can feel safe and comfortable being themselves.
What Workplace Bullying Really Looks Like
Bullying in the workplace includes repeated actions or comments that hurt, intimidate, or isolate someone. It can be verbal, psychological, or sometimes physical. It's meant to put a person down or make them feel degraded or humiliated.
Bullying isn’t always loud or obvious. It can include:
Repeated put-downs or sarcasm
Public criticism or humiliation
Exclusion from meetings or information
Intimidation, threats, or excessive monitoring
Undermining someone’s work or credibility
If the behavior is persistent and harmful, it matters.
Why People Don’t Speak Up
People often don’t speak up about bullying because:
they fear retaliation, conflict, or negative consequences for their job or reputation.
power imbalances can make it feel risky to challenge someone in a senior role.
some might worry they won’t be believed or that the behaviour isn’t “serious enough” to report.
they want to avoid being labeled as difficult, even if the behaviour continues, choosing short-term comfort over having a confrontational discussion.
Photo by Vitaly Gariev on UnsplashRecognize Your Role
Everyone has a role to play in addressing workplace bullying, even if they're not the direct target.
As the target: your role is to protect your well-being by recognizing harmful behaviour, setting boundaries where possible, and seeking support through appropriate channels.
As a bystander: your role is to notice what’s happening, interrupt or question inappropriate behaviour when it is safe to do so, and support the person affected, rather than staying silent.
As a leader: your role is to set clear expectations for respectful behaviour, take concerns seriously, and act consistently to address issues.
Recognizing which role you're in helps you choose the right actions and ensures bullying isn't ignored or normalized.
Take Action Safely and Effectively
There are different ways to act against bullying as the target.
If you’re experiencing bullying:
"Firmly tell the person that [their] behaviour isn't acceptable and ask them to stop."
Reach out to someone you trust to ask for support, such as a supervisor, colleague, or union member.
Document incidents or events (e.g. date and time, names, what happened, outcome, impact).
Keep copies of emails, memos, letters, chats, and documents you received from the person.
Set boundaries where safe — for example: “That comment wasn’t appropriate. Let’s keep this professional.”
Report it and/or use internal reporting channels (HR, manager, ethics line).
Watch the following short video about how to handle workplace bullies with three steps.
What If You Witness Bullying?
If you witness bullying:
Speak up in the moment if safe, for example, “Let’s keep the discussion respectful.”
Check in privately with the person affected.
Report patterns and not just single moments.
Photo by Vitaly Gariev on UnsplashQuiz
Anaya overhears a coworker making belittling jokes about another employee’s abilities. The targeted person isn't present. What should Anaya do?
Build a Bully-Free Culture
A bully-free workplace doesn’t happen by chance. It’s built through everyday actions and shared responsibility.
When concerns are taken seriously and people feel safe speaking up, problems can be addressed early before they get worse. Workplace culture is shaped by what we allow. When disrespect is addressed upfront, even in small ways, it sends a clear message about what behaviour is acceptable and what is not.
Let's take a look at an example:
During a team meeting, Barry notices that one team member interrupts another repeatedly, making them flinch and lose their train of thought. Instead of ignoring it, Barry reminds the team and says calmly, "Let’s make sure everyone gets a chance to share their ideas."
Later, Barry follows up privately with the person affected to check in and offer support. The team notices that disrespectful behaviour isn’t tolerated, and colleagues start addressing small issues themselves. This ultimately creates a safer and more respectful working environment for all.
Quiz
You receive an email that criticizes your work in a harsh tone It includes people who don’t need to be copied in the email. This isn't the first time it has happened. What should you do?
Take Action
Learn more about workplace bullying and the actions you can take against it:
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