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Workplace Bullying: Hiring An Employment Lawyer in Brisbane

When one employee regularly treats another individual unfairly at work, that is considered bullying. It can also have an impact on huge groups of people. 

The actions taken may be psychological, verbal, physical, emotional, or social.

Two-thirds of Australians have encountered bullying at work, according to data on workplace bullying from 2021. Bullying has a detrimental effect on employees’ physical and mental wellbeing. 

Additionally, there is compelling evidence that it threatens institutions. It can also damage the corporate culture and reduce productivity and creativity.

Employees and managers should learn everything they can to stop workplace bullying and know how workplace lawyers in Brisbane can help. 

Bullying at Work: What Is It?

Bullying at work is when an employee or group of employees is the target of irrational, persistent behaviour that endangers their health and safety.

Several examples of bullying conduct are provided below:

  • Displaying aggressive or threatening conduct
  • Making humiliating, disparaging, or slurs
  • Playing numerous practical jokes
  • Disseminating false rumours
  • Forgetting to invite someone to activities relevant to your job
  • Imposing abuse of authority, unreasonable demands for the work, such as too much or too little work 

Bullying’s Effects On Work

Bullying at work is harmful to both the victim and others around them. However, the outcomes vary depending on the environment and the person’s characteristics. 

One of the consequences could be any of the following results:

  • Panic attacks, anxiety, or restlessness
  • Diminished concentration, decision-making, and work performance
  • Decrease in self-assurance and value
  • Feelings of isolation 
  • Decline in relationships with loved ones, close friends, and coworkers
  • Depression
  • Suicidal thoughts

What Is Not Workplace Bullying? 

Bullying is never acceptable at work.

However, workplace bullying does not only involve one incidence of unfair treatment. But it can occur once more or develop worse. Therefore, employers ought to take notice.

Bullying does not result from prudent management practices used prudently. An employer or manager may:

  • decide poor performance; 
  • put disciplinary procedures into place; and 
  • monitor and control how work is done.

If the behaviour is morally acceptable, it is not bullying at work. The court would use an objective test to determine what is reasonable.

However, a court might find the following to be proper management techniques:

  • Setting realistic and achievable performance standards, deadlines, and objectives
  • Transferring a worker to a different department or position due to operational needs 
  • Making fair and appropriate work and hour assignments 
  • Deciding not to promote a worker, provided a fair and transparent hiring process is adhered to.
  • Adopting organisational changes or restructuring honestly, fairly, and constructively notifying a worker of inadequate job performance.  
  • Implementing discipline, including suspension or termination of employment, as required or appropriate under the circumstances. 

As expressed, one must answer the following questions to pass the “reasonable person” test:

Do you believe a prudent person would have anticipated that your actions may humiliate, insult, or terrify the other person?

If the test is passed, bullying at work is probably what was done. If the answer is no, the assessment is invalid, and the conduct cannot be labelled as workplace bullying.

If you are unsure of what constitutes bullying, it is always advisable to obtain legal advice from a workplace attorney.

Hiring An Employment Lawyer in Brisbane

Workplace bullying is an increasingly common problem in today’s workplace environment. It is a form of psychological abuse ranging from subtle to extreme. It can involve humiliation, manipulation, intimidation, and even physical or verbal abuse. 

An employment lawyer is an individual who specialises in providing legal advice and representation to employers and employees in matters relating to the workplace. 

They provide advice on rights and obligations to employers and employees based on their knowledge of labour and employment legislation. Additionally, they stand in for both employers and workers in administrative and legal processes.

An employment lawyer specialising in workplace bullying can provide legal advice about the rights of victims, employers, and employees in a bullying situation. 

They can also guide handling the situation, including potential strategies for addressing the issue and protecting the rights of everyone involved. 

Moreover, they can help employers and employees understand their legal obligations and develop policies and procedures to address bullying in the workplace.

In short, an employment lawyer can greatly assist employers and employees when dealing with workplace bullying. They can provide legal advice and representation to ensure that everyone is protected and that the situation is handled properly.

Conclusion 

Workplace bullying and workplace discrimination are major issues affecting employers, employees, and the workplace. It is important for employers to be aware of the signs of workplace bullying and to take action to address it. An employment lawyer can help employers understand their legal obligations and rights regarding workplace bullying and can provide advice on how to address it. 

Our legal staff at Saines Legal is skilled and competent in all facets of employment law. Our mission is to meet the demands of each client specifically. Speak to workplace lawyers in Brisbane today!

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