Addressing Workplace Bullying: Creating Safer and Healthier Work Environments

Workplace bullying remains a significant issue affecting employee wellbeing and organisational health. According to the latest research from WorkSafe NZ, 85% of New Zealand employees have encountered some form of bullying in the past year, a slight improvement from previous years but still alarmingly high. This data highlights the ongoing need for robust health and safety practices within workplaces.

Understanding Workplace Bullying

Workplace bullying is defined as repeated and unacceptable behaviour directed towards a worker or group of workers. This can include verbal or physical abuse, humiliation, threats of violence, and sabotaging or ignoring others (Employment NZ). It’s important to note that:

• Bullying can occur between managers and staff, among co-workers, and between workers and clients, customers, or visitors.
• It can be carried out by one or more persons and directed at a single person or a group.
• Bullying may occur outside normal working hours.

Impact on Employee Health and Wellbeing

Eliminating bullying is crucial for maintaining employee health and well-being. The physical and psychological harm caused by bullying not only affects individual performance but also the overall health and productivity of the organization (WorkSafe NZ).

Strategies to Tackle Workplace Bullying

1. Creating a Positive Work Culture:
   • Encourage a workplace that respects and supports one another through effective leadership.
   • Promote inclusivity and positive interactions among employees.
2. Implementing Effective Policies:
   • Develop and communicate clear anti-bullying policies.
   • Encourage open discussions about bullying in the workplace.
3. Educating Workers and Managers:
   • Offer training and workshops on recognizing and addressing bullying.
   • Ensure everyone is aware of their responsibilities regarding bullying.
4. Reporting Mechanisms:
   • Provide employees with clear procedures for reporting bullying and unreasonable behaviour.
   • Ensure confidentiality and proper resources are in place for reporting.

For a deeper understanding of how to prevent and respond to workplace bullying, refer to WorkSafe NZ’s guide to Preventing and Responding to Bullying at Work.

Working Wise: Your Partner in Combating Workplace Bullying

At Working Wise, we understand the importance of fostering a positive workplace culture. Our team is here to support you in developing effective policies and conducting engaging workshops that educate both managers and workers. Together, we can create a safer, more inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and valued.

In line with our commitment to improving workplace wellbeing, we have launched GOSH Enterprise. This advanced health, safety, and wellbeing system provides employees with the tools to report bullying and unacceptable behaviour confidentially, anytime and anywhere.

By leveraging tools like GOSH Enterprise and fostering open communication, we can work towards minimising workplace bullying and promoting a healthier, more productive work environment.

If you would like more information or need assistance, please feel free to reach out to our team.

Phone: (04) 499 0710

Email: