Workplace bullying is a serious issue that can have a devastating impact on your career, mental health, and overall well-being. From subtle exclusion and humiliation to overt intimidation and harassment, bullying can create a toxic environment that makes it difficult to perform at your best. Unfortunately, many employees are unsure of what steps they can take when workplace bullying begins to affect their professional growth and livelihood.
If you are facing workplace bullying, it’s important to know that you have rights under employment law in Australia. Seeking guidance from an experienced workplace bullying lawyer or consulting with trusted employment lawyers Perth can help you take the right actions to protect yourself and your career.
In this article, we’ll walk through the key steps you should consider when workplace bullying affects your career.
1. Recognise the Signs of Workplace Bullying
The first step is to clearly identify whether what you are experiencing qualifies as workplace bullying. Bullying may not always be obvious; it can take many forms, including:
- Constant criticism or belittling remarks
- Being excluded from meetings or workplace communication
- Intimidation, threats, or humiliation in front of others
- Unfair work allocation or deliberately setting you up to fail
- Spreading rumours or damaging your reputation
- Verbal abuse or offensive language
Recognising the pattern is critical. If the behaviour is repeated, unreasonable, and creates a risk to your health and safety, it may be legally considered workplace bullying.
2. Keep Detailed Records
One of the most important steps in addressing workplace bullying is documenting everything. Keep a record of:
- Dates, times, and locations of bullying incidents
- Names of the people involved, including any witnesses
- Emails, messages, or written communication that show bullying behaviour
- Notes on how the behaviour has impacted your work and health
This evidence can be vital if you need to escalate the issue to management, HR, or even to workplace bullying lawyers in Perth. Without documentation, it often becomes a matter of your word against the bully’s, making it harder to prove your case.
3. Report the Behaviour Internally
Most workplaces have policies and procedures for handling bullying and harassment. Start by reporting the behaviour to your manager, supervisor, or HR department. Provide them with the documentation you’ve collected and request a formal investigation.
Employers in Australia have a duty of care to ensure a safe workplace. If they fail to address bullying complaints adequately, they may be held liable for breaches of workplace health and safety laws. If your employer ignores your complaint, this is where seeking help from a lawyer for workplace bullying becomes essential.
4. Seek Professional Legal Advice
If internal reporting does not resolve the situation, or if you feel unsafe raising the issue at work, speaking with a legal professional is the next step. An experienced workplace bullying lawyer can:
- Advise you on your rights under employment law
- Help you lodge a complaint with the Fair Work Commission (FWC)
- Assist with claims for unfair dismissal, discrimination, or adverse action if your career has been harmed
- Represent you in negotiations or legal proceedings
Consulting Perth employment lawyers early ensures that you don’t miss important deadlines and that your complaint is handled in the most effective way possible.
5. Protect Your Career and Reputation
Workplace bullying doesn’t just harm your mental health – it can also affect your career trajectory. You may find yourself overlooked for promotions, unfairly criticised in performance reviews, or pressured into resigning.
To protect your career, consider:
- Requesting transfers to another team or department
- Ensuring performance reviews are documented and fair
- Keeping communication with managers professional and in writing
- Seeking advice from workplace bullying solicitors about how to protect your position legally
If you are forced to resign due to bullying, you may be eligible to pursue a constructive dismissal claim with the guidance of the best employment lawyers Perth.
6. Take Care of Your Mental Health
Bullying can take a significant toll on your emotional well-being. Many victims experience stress, anxiety, depression, or even physical health issues as a result of prolonged mistreatment. While legal steps are crucial, don’t neglect your health.
Consider:
- Speaking with a counsellor or psychologist
- Accessing your workplace Employee Assistance Program (EAP), if available
- Taking time off work if your health is seriously affected
- Building a strong support network outside of work
A good lawyer for workplace bullying will not only help you legally but will also encourage you to prioritise your well-being throughout the process.
7. Explore Formal Legal Remedies
If internal workplace procedures fail and the bullying continues, you may need to escalate the matter legally. Possible legal options include:
- Fair Work Commission Applications: You can apply for a “stop bullying” order if you are still employed and the bullying is ongoing.
- Workers’ Compensation Claims: If you have suffered psychological injury due to bullying, you may be eligible for compensation.
- Unfair Dismissal or Adverse Action Claims: If bullying led to your dismissal or discrimination, Perth employment lawyers can assist with lodging a claim.
- Civil Action: In some cases, victims may sue for damages if the bullying caused harm.
Having the support of skilled workplace bullying lawyers Perth ensures that the legal strategy chosen aligns with your situation.
Final Thoughts
Workplace bullying is not something you should tolerate or try to endure silently. It can damage your health, career, and future opportunities if not addressed properly. Recognising the signs, keeping records, and reporting internally are vital first steps. However, if the bullying persists or your employer fails to act, seeking legal advice from the best employment lawyers Perth is the most effective way to protect yourself.
Dedicated workplace bullying lawyers Perth and experienced workplace bullying solicitors can guide you through the process, help you understand your rights, and ensure your career and dignity are safeguarded.
No one should have their career harmed by workplace bullying. With the right legal support from trusted Perth employment lawyers, you can take control, stop the bullying, and move forward with confidence.
