What is workplace bullying?
Workplace bullying occurs when someone repeatedly treats another person badly. A manager might shout at you, a colleague might ignore you, or someone could constantly blame you for things that aren’t your fault, which are examples of bullying at work. Sometimes bullying appears more subtly — for instance, being left out of meetings, talked over, or made to feel small in front of others.
Bullying can happen in any job and at any level. Importantly, no one should tolerate it — it is not “just part of the job.”
Why Bullying at Work Matters in Scotland
Bullying is a serious problem in Scottish workplaces. For example, reported bullying cases in NHS Scotland rose nearly 50% over five years — from 126 in 2017-18 to 185 in 2021-22. NHS Highland saw an even sharper increase: cases jumped from 5 to 35, a 600% rise.
It is not only healthcare. A survey by the Fair Work Convention found that 42% of hospitality workers in Scotland experienced bullying or harassment in the past year, while over half witnessed it happening to someone else.
These figures show that bullying is common, affecting workplaces of all sizes every day.
How to spot the signs of Bullying at Work
Some bullying is obvious, like shouting or insults. Other times, it is harder to notice. You might see colleagues being excluded from chats, assigned impossible workloads, or targeted by gossip.
If you experience bullying, you might feel anxious about coming to work. You could lose confidence, struggle to sleep, or dread encountering certain people. These warning signs indicate that something is wrong.
What to do if you’re being bullied
- Keep a record: Note what happened, when, and who witnessed it. This record helps later.
- Talk to someone you trust: A colleague, mentor, or friend can support you and help plan your next steps.
- Check your workplace policy: Most companies outline rules and procedures for bullying and harassment. Know how to report issues.
- Report it formally: If informal conversations fail, follow the official process. Contact HR or use the grievance/dignity-at-work procedure.
- Seek outside help: If internal channels fail, consult unions, legal advisers, or agencies that handle workplace rights.
What employers should do about workplace bullying
Employers must prevent bullying. They should clearly communicate that bullying is unacceptable. Every workplace needs a simple policy explaining what counts as bullying and the consequences for such behaviour.
Managers should train to recognise bullying and respond quickly and fairly. Staff should have safe ways to report problems, ideally to someone other than their direct manager in case that person is involved.
Most importantly, organisations must create a culture of respect. When employees feel valued and heard, they speak up sooner, and problems get resolved before they escalate.
Why stopping bullying helps everyone
Stopping bullying benefits everyone. Employees feel safer and happier, teams communicate better, and absenteeism drops as stress decreases.
For employers, addressing bullying reduces turnover, improves productivity, and strengthens reputation. A respectful workplace is not only kinder — it also performs better.
What you can do today about Bullying at Work
You don’t need to be in HR to act. If you see unfair treatment, speak up, offer support, and report what you observe.
Managers should lead by example. Be approachable and fair, recognize achievements, listen to concerns, and show your team you support them.
If you face bullying yourself, remember: you are not the problem. Asking for help demonstrates strength, not weakness.
Final Thoughts on Bullying at Work
Bullying harms individuals, teams, and organisations. However, we can stop it when everyone takes it seriously.
During Anti-Bullying Week, let’s make workplaces safer and kinder. Whether you are an employee, manager, or business owner, we all share the responsibility to create a culture where everyone feels respected.
Related Articles:
Workplace Rights in Scotland: What You Need to Know
Emily Bell is a Social Media and Content Executive at s1jobs, leveraging her expertise in digital platforms to create engaging and impactful content. With a BA (Hons) in International Business from the University of Strathclyde, Emily combines her business acumen with a passion for storytelling to connect audiences with meaningful content. Specialising in social media content creation for platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, Emily crafts visually compelling posts, reels, and campaigns that captivate audiences and drive engagement. Skilled in social media management and data analysis tools like Google Analytics, she is dedicated to enhancing online presence and delivering measurable results for brands.