How to Respond to Workplace Bullying

The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 marked a fundamental shift in New Zealand’s approach to workplace health and safety. As a result of the Act, the focus has shifted from managing incidents to proactively identifying and managing risks.

This guide runs through the key steps employers should take once they become aware that bullying is happening in the workplace.

• Consider whether there is unreasonable behaviour in the workplace
• Gather information
• Determine whether behaviour constitutes bullying
• Review the principles to follow when investigating in-house reports or complaints
• Decide on the appropriate approach and carry it out
• Review the principles to follow when investigating in-house reports or complaints