What is Workplace Harassment?
Harassment is unwelcome, offensive, or intimidating behaviour based on personal characteristics. It can be verbal, physical, or psychological.
Examples of workplace harassment include:
🚫 Making offensive jokes about someone’s gender, race or religion.
🚫 Sending unwanted messages, emails, or images.
🚫 Making inappropriate physical contact or gestures.
🚫 Displaying offensive posters or images.
What is Workplace Discrimination?
Discrimination occurs when a person is treated unfairly due to protected characteristics, such as:
Race, ethnicity, or nationality.
Gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Age or disability.
Religion or political beliefs.
Pregnancy, marital status, or family responsibilities.
Examples of Workplace Discrimination:
🚫 Denying a promotion based on gender, race, or disability.
🚫 Paying employees differently for the same work based on personal characteristics.
🚫 Excluding someone from meetings or training due to their age or background.
Legal Responsibilities of Employers + Employees
Employers Must:
✅ Implement anti-bullying, harassment, and discrimination policies.
✅ Provide training on respectful workplace behavior.
✅ Investigate and respond to complaints.
✅ Foster an inclusive and positive workplace culture.
Employees Must:
✅ Treat colleagues with respect and fairness.
✅ Report incidents to a manager or HR.
✅ Support an inclusive and respectful work environment.
How to Report Workplace Bullying, Harassment and/or Discrimination
STEP ONE: Address the Issue (If Safe)
✅ Speak directly to the person involved and ask them to stop.
STEP TWO: Report to a Supervisor or HR
✅ Document incidents with dates, times, and details.
✅ Follow internal workplace reporting procedures.
STEP THREE: External Help (If Unresolved)
✅ Fair Work Commission – Can issue anti-bullying orders.
✅ SafeWork NSW – Can investigate workplace complaints.
✅ Australian Human Rights Commission – Handles discrimination-related complaints
Preventing Workplace Bullying, Harassment and/or Discrimination
Best Practices for a Respectful Workplace:
✅ Promote diversity and inclusion.
✅ Encourage open communication and respect.
✅ Provide support systems, including employee assistance programs (EAP).
✅ Train managers and staff on conflict resolution skills.
Consequences of Workplace Bullying, Harassment and/or Discrimination
For the Victim: Stress, anxiety, reduced productivity, and health issues.
For the Workplace: Poor morale, high turnover, legal consequences.
For the Perpetrator: Disciplinary action, including termination.
There are a number of free support services available
Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14
Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636
SafeWork NSW – www.safework.nsw.gov.au