A Harassment and Bullying Policy is a document that can form part of your business’s HR and employment policies. Having an internal policy which adequately deals with harassment and bullying in the workplace has always been beneficial to employers, but recent trends towards workplace accountability have made it more important than ever. Recent legislation has put more emphasis on internal complaint procedures and government bodies such as the Fair Work Commission (FWC) expect that employers properly handle these kinds of issues and take proper action when they occur. This type of policy deals with anti-harassment, anti-sexual harassment and anti-bullying in relation to your company’s employees and the workplace. It will also explain how your business will deal with harassment and bullying in the event that it occurs.

What is workplace harassment?

Workplace harassment is defined as behaviour that causes humiliation, discomfort and fear in an employee. Harassment can be a continued pattern of behaviour by a fellow employee or manager, or a one-off incident. It is important that employers take adequate measures to prevent harassment in the workplace as a toxic and hostile work environment creates a risk to health for employees. Harassment can also be discrimination if it occurs based on someone’s gender, race, sexual orientation, religion or age.

What is workplace bullying?

Workplace bullying is a continued pattern of behaviour which causes fear, stress and discomfort to an employee. Bullying can occur verbally, in writing, or online. Further, bullying can be physical, verbal and psychological. It is important that employers take any incidences of bullying very seriously as this is also a WHS (Workplace Health & Safety) issue.

Use this Harassment and Bullying Policy if:

• You would like to inform your employees about their anti-harassment and anti-bullying obligations;
• You would like to have a set procedure to follow when these issues arise;
• You would like to instil confidence in your employees that harassment and bullying will not be tolerated; and
• You would like to explain to your employees how they can report harassment and bullying.

What does the Harassment and Bullying Policy cover?

• Harassment;
• Sexual harassment;
• Bullying;
• Raising a complaint for breach of the policy; and
• Consequences of breaching the policy.

Other names for a Harassment and Bullying Policy include:

• Harassment Policy
• Sexual Harassment Policy
• Bullying Policies and Procedures

Other documents you may need:

• Discrimination Policy
• Non-Disclosure Agreement (One Way)
• Grievance Policy
• Social Media Policy

Further information

• Hiring Staff 101: What You Need to Consider
• Post-Employment Obligations or Employees and Employers
• Steps to Prevent Workplace Bullying