Being bullied at work? Here’s what to do about it
- Anne-Marie Dolan
- Mar 25
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 25
Experiencing bullying at work can feel isolating and overwhelming, leaving you unsure of how to navigate the toxic environment. No one should have to endure a hostile work environment. Taking action is crucial to regaining your sense of security and well-being. Read on to discover what steps to take if you are being bullied and where to seek help.
What is the definition of bullying at work?
“Workplace bullying is repeated and unreasonable behaviour directed towards a worker or group of workers. It can lead to physical or psychological harm.” - Worksafe New Zealand.
Bullying is more than just a one‑off bad day. To qualify as workplace bullying, it generally means a pattern of behaviour over time. Here are some examples of bullying behaviour:
Being shouted at or spoken to aggressively for no proper reason.
Being excluded from meetings or important work or left out of information others get.
Being given unfair or impossible tasks compared to others.
Regular teasing, insulting or put‑down comments about you at work.
Threats, intimidation, being pressured to do things you feel you shouldn’t.
Repeatedly being undermined, your work criticised unfairly, or your status diminished.
If this sounds like something you’re going through, call us straight away at 0800 612 355. We can arrange an employment advocate to talk through your options with you.
How to deal with bullying in the workplace in New Zealand
Step 1: Keep a recorded timeline
Firstly, take notice of what’s happening and keep a record of what has happened, when (date/time), where, who was present, what was said or done and how it made you feel. Keep any relevant emails, messages, notes of conversations relating to the bullying and see if there is a pattern to the bullying behaviour. Determine if the behaviour is repeated or if it is a one off incident.
Step 2: Seek support from people you trust
During this challenging time, it is essential to seek support from trusted individuals. Reach out to whanau and friends with whom you feel comfortable discussing the bullying. Their emotional support can provide you with the strength and resilience needed to navigate this process successfully. You may also like to take them to any meetings as a support person.
Raise the issue with your employer or manager
Find out if your employer has a bullying or harassment policy. If so, it should tell you how to raise a complaint formally. If there is a formal process, you should make a complaint in writing including your records (dates and events of incidents) and ask for a meeting.
Clearly articulate the incidents, referring to your documented evidence if needed. By seeking their intervention, you provide an opportunity for them to address the situation promptly.
It’s helpful to include:
When this happened
Where this happened
If there were any witnesses they should speak to
Why you think this behaviour was unreasonable
If this has happened before
How this behaviour has affected you
What should your employer do if you are being bullied?
Your employer has specific obligations under New Zealand law to keep you safe at work, including from bullying.
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, your employer (and others who manage or direct work) must take reasonably practicable steps to eliminate, isolate or minimise risks to health and safety, including psychological risks such as bullying. Under the Employment Relations Act 2000, employers must deal with employees in good faith and provide a safe workplace.
If you raise a concern of bullying, your employer must take your complaint seriously, act promptly and keep you informed of the process. They may need to undertake a fair and reasonable investigation and protect you from any retaliation or further bullying while the issue is being looked into.
Your employer also needs to take steps to stop bullying behaviour if it is found to have occurred, such as disciplinary action, changing work arrangements, training or monitoring.
Ideally your employer should have a clear anti‑bullying/harassment policy in place that explains expected behaviour and how complaints are handled. In addition, they may provide training for managers and employees on respectful work behaviour and recognising hazards and conduct regular reviews of the workplace culture and risk factors for bullying (for example if people are overloaded, communication is poor, or change is happening).
What will my employer do when I raise an issue?
Your employer needs to act reasonably, but what this looks like will depend on the situation and the context. If you don't think what they're doing is reasonable you could raise it with them, but if you can't do that (or it doesn't resolve the issue) get some advice. One thing that shouldn't happen, is that you shouldn't be penalised for raising concerns!
If you feel intimidated about speaking up, or your employer responds negatively to your concerns, Mathews Walker can arrange for an employment advocate to support you and help you understand your rights.
Give us a call at 0800 612 355
What should you do if your employer does not handle your bullying complaint properly?
If you feel that your employer is ignoring your concerns, doing nothing, or you are still being bullied, you should:
Follow up in writing, reminding them of your complaint, what you have asked for, and the fact you have not seen a meaningful response. Ask for an update and say you may need to escalate the matter if no action is taken.
Seek external advice by contacting your union (if you belong to one) or consulting an employment law expert such as an employment advocate like Mathews Walker.
Consider filing a personal grievance against your employer. Under the Employment Relations Act you generally have 90 days from when you knew (or ought to have known) of the bullying to raise a personal grievance. This can lead to mediation, or a decision by the Employment Relations Authority, and possibly compensation if your employer has breached your rights.
Answering your questions about workplace bullying
Is being criticised at work always bullying?
No. Being given feedback or a performance review is a normal part of work. It only becomes bullying if the behaviour is repeated, unreasonable, targeted, and makes you feel unsafe or demeaned. The difference often lies in how the behaviour is done (tone, frequency, purpose) and how you are treated compared to others.
What if the person bullying is my manager or the boss?
The same rights apply. You can raise your concern via your workplace complaint process (HR or another manager). Your employer still has the obligation to act. If the manager is the issue, you can go higher (e.g., top management), or external advice is available.
What if I’m a contractor or casual worker? Do I still have protection?
If you’re a casual employee, yes. If you are a contractor, any protections do apply broadly, especially under health & safety law, but some rights depend on your employment status. If you're unsure whether you’re an employee or a contractor, you should check your contract and seek advice.
Can I ask for help from the government agency?
Yes. Employment New Zealand provides info and advice. You can also seek mediation or other forms of dispute resolution.
Will I lose my job if I complain about bullying?
You should not be penalised for raising a genuine concern. Your employer must protect you from ‘reprisal’. If you are treated unfairly for complaining, this may itself be a breach of law and you could raise a grievance. However, it’s wise to keep good documentation and seek advice early.
Can I raise a personal grievance for bullying even if I don’t have evidence?
Yes. While evidence can help support your case, it’s not required to get started. Bullying can be subtle or hard to document, so concerns can still be raised and investigated.
What kind of outcome can I expect if I make a complaint or grievance?
Outcomes vary. Your employer might stop the behaviour, discipline the bully, change work arrangements, provide training, or offer you support. In a personal grievance, compensation may be awarded for hurt, humiliation or financial loss.
No resolution, or the situation has become worse?
Being bullied at work is not something you have to just endure. You deserve a safe workplace where your well-being is paramount.
If you're not getting this, seek advice. Call us for a free chat... and if possible, don't resign until after you've spoken to us.
MathewsWalker.co.nz | 0800 612 355
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. While we strive to keep the information accurate and up to date, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the blog or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the blog for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. For specific legal advice tailored to your situation, please contact a qualified legal professional.
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