Bullying in the workplace

Workplace bullying is something that can happen anywhere, from the noise of a construction site to the fast pace of a hospital ward, to the quiet of an office. It doesn’t always look the same. Sometimes it’s shouting or intimidation, other times it’s subtle exclusion, constant criticism, or those small gestures that chip away at someone’s confidence. What all forms of bullying have in common is the harm they cause.

For the individual, bullying can affect mental health, self-esteem, and even physical well-being. For organisations, it can damage morale, reduce productivity, and create a culture of fear that drives good people away. Despite this, bullying often goes unchallenged, either because it’s dismissed as “just part of the job” or because people feel unsure about how to speak up.

This blog looks at how workplace bullying shows up across different industries, what impact it has, and most importantly, what can be done. We’ll explore what employers can do to create safer, healthier workplaces, and the practical steps individuals can take if they find themselves on the receiving end of bullying behaviour.

How Widespread Is Workplace Bullying?

Bullying at work is more common than many people think. Around 1 in 10 workers worldwide say they have been bullied, and in the UK, the number is closer to 1 in 6. In Europe, nearly half of employees report facing some form of bullying during their working life. In the United States, about a third of adults say they have been bullied at work, with many more witnessing it happen to others. This shows that bullying is not limited to one type of job; it can happen on building sites, in hospitals, in schools, in offices, or anywhere people work together. Far from being a rare problem, workplace bullying is something that affects millions of people and workplaces every day.

Effects on Individuals & Organisations

Workplace bullying can have a big effect on people’s health and well-being. Many who are bullied feel anxious, low, or stressed, and some may even develop depression or trauma-like symptoms. It often leads to tiredness, poor sleep, headaches, stomach problems, or high blood pressure. If bullying carries on for a long time, it can sometimes cause serious health problems, like ongoing pain, heart issues, or in very difficult cases, thoughts of suicide.

Bullying also harms the workplace itself. It can lower staff morale, create a culture of fear, and break down trust between colleagues. People who are bullied may take more time off work, lose interest in their job, or decide to leave altogether. This means the organisation can face higher staff turnover, lower productivity, and financial costs. In short, bullying doesn’t just hurt the person being targeted, it also damages the whole workplace.

What Workplaces Can Do to Prevent Bullying

Workplaces have a big role to play in stopping bullying before it takes hold. The first step is to make it clear that bullying will not be tolerated, through strong policies and a culture that values respect. Leaders set the tone, so it’s important they show good behaviour themselves, encourage open conversations, and recognise positive teamwork. Regular training can also make a difference, helping staff understand what bullying looks like and giving managers the skills to deal with it fairly and quickly. Clear reporting systems are vital so people know how to raise concerns and feel confident they will be taken seriously. Policies should be easy to find and follow, and they should meet legal standards such as the Equality Act in the UK. When workplaces take these steps, they create a safer and healthier environment where everyone can focus on their work without fear.

What Can You Do If You Think You Are Being Bullied?

If you are being bullied at work, there are steps you can take to protect yourself. One of the most important things is to keep a record of what happens, noting down dates, what was said or done, and who was there. This can be very helpful if you decide to make a complaint. Sometimes it may be possible to resolve things informally by speaking up, but if that doesn’t work, you can follow your workplace’s formal procedures, raise it with HR, or ask your union for support. It’s also important to look after yourself, talk to friends, family, or a healthcare professional, and don’t be afraid to reach out to organisations like Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) or Citizens Advice for guidance. In serious cases, legal action or an employment tribunal may be an option. And sometimes, the healthiest choice is to leave a toxic workplace altogether. Acting on bullying is never easy, but no one should feel they have to suffer bullying in silence.

Bullying at work is sadly common, but it should never be seen as something people have to put up with. It damages health, breaks down trust, and harms the whole organisation. The responsibility lies with workplaces to set clear standards, tackle problems early, and build a culture where respect and fairness are the norm. For individuals, knowing your rights, seeking support, and speaking out can help you take back a sense of control. Together, small changes in behaviour and strong policies can make a big difference in creating kinder, safer workplaces.

If you are experiencing bullying at work, remember that you don’t have to suffer in silence. Reach out for help, whether that’s talking to a colleague you trust, contacting your union, or using an advice service. Bullying can feel overwhelming, but support is there, and taking action can be the first step towards change. Everyone deserves to feel safe, valued, and respected in their workplace.

References and statistics  

• Nielsen, M. B., et al. (2015). Workplace bullying: Prevalence, antecedents and outcomes. [PubMed ID: 25852978]
• CIPD (2021). Bullying and harassment in the workplace. Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.
• World Metrics (2024). Bullying in the workplace statistics.
• Workplace Bullying Institute (2021–2024). U.S. Workplace Bullying Survey.