1 in 5 adults in Aotearoa report experiencing workplace bullying. So what do you do next?
First: document everything.
Not because you’re being dramatic. Because stress affects memory and sharing correct details will help the right people take action.
Keep records of:
– dates
– incidents
– emails/messages
– witnesses
– how situations were handled
Patterns matter.
Check out the Bullying Reporting and Assessment Forms at Worksafe to help capture all of the necessary information.
Second: talk to someone safe.
That might be:
– a trusted manager
– HR
– a union representative
– a health and safety rep
– EAP support
– Community Law
– Employment NZ
You do not need to carry it alone.
A Reminder That Matters
Being affected by bullying doesn’t mean you’re weak.
Even highly capable, confident people can become anxious in psychologically unsafe environments.
Humans are wired for connection and belonging so it’s only natural that repeated exclusion or humiliation affects us deeply.
If You’re Watching It Happen
You don’t need to become a hero overnight.
But small actions matter:
– checking in privately
– backing someone up in meetings
– interrupting harmful “jokes”
– documenting concerns
– refusing to participate in gossip
Culture shifts when people stop pretending not to notice that someone is experiencing workplace bullying.
Beyond Pink Shirt Day
Wearing pink is easy.
Building workplaces where people feel respected, safe, and valued takes ongoing work.
But it matters.
Because people spend huge parts of their lives at work.
And nobody should have to trade their wellbeing just to earn a living.
More resources available on Worksafe: www.worksafe.govt.nz/topic-and-industry/bullying
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