WORKPLACE ANSWER
What can I do if I am being bullied?
Feeling bullied at work is distressing. This guide helps you navigate your options.
Quick Answer
Start by keeping a clear, factual record of what is happening, including dates, times, what was said or done, and who was involved. Check your employer’s policies on bullying, dignity at work and grievances so you understand the formal options. Where it feels safe and appropriate, you can consider raising the issue informally with the person involved or with a trusted manager. If the behaviour continues, is serious, or you do not feel able to deal with it informally, you can raise it with your manager or HR and, if needed, make a formal grievance so the issue is investigated.
If informal routes fail or the bullying is severe, you can follow your employer's grievance procedure to seek an investigation.
Identifying the Issue
Bullying at work can involve behaviour that makes you feel intimidated, humiliated, undermined or excluded. It may be a pattern of behaviour or a one-off incident, and can be obvious or subtle. It may happen in person, in meetings, over email, on messaging apps or on calls.
Practical Steps
Keep a clear record of what is happening. This can help you make sense of the situation and explain it if you decide to raise a concern. Try to note:
- Dates and times of each incident
- What was said or done, in as much detail as you can
- Where it happened
- Who was involved
- Any witnesses (even if they did not say anything)
- Any relevant emails, messages, screenshots or documents
If there were no witnesses, you can still record what happened. A lack of witnesses should not stop you from raising a concern.
Things To Think About
Reflect on these elements before taking formal action:
- Is your health or wellbeing being affected? Are you feeling anxious, dreading work or losing sleep? Is the behaviour getting worse or happening more often? Have you tried to address it informally, and what happened? Are there any trusted colleagues or managers you can speak to? Thinking about these questions can help you decide what to do next and what support you might need.
How To Raise Concerns
You can raise concerns in stages, depending on the situation and how safe you feel.
1. Informal options
If it feels safe and appropriate, you might:
- Speak calmly to the person involved about how their behaviour is affecting you
- Ask a trusted colleague or manager to be present when you raise it
- Use a mediation or facilitated conversation service if your workplace offers one
You do not have to confront the person directly if you do not feel comfortable or if the behaviour is serious.
2. Raising it with management or HR
If informal steps are not appropriate, do not feel safe, or have not worked, you can raise the issue with your line manager, another manager or HR. Share your record of what has been happening and explain how it is affecting you.
3. Making a formal grievance
If the behaviour is serious or ongoing, or if earlier steps have not resolved the issue, you can consider making a formal grievance. Your employer’s grievance procedure should explain how to do this, what information to provide and what to expect from the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my manager is the one bullying me?
You should check your company handbook or policies. Usually, there will be guidance on bullying, dignity at work and grievances. If your manager is the person causing concern, you can consider raising the issue with another manager, HR or a trusted senior colleague, following the steps in your workplace procedure.
Is bullying the same as discrimination?
Not always. Bullying is often described as repeated, unreasonable behaviour that makes someone feel intimidated, humiliated or undermined. Harassment and discrimination have specific legal meanings and usually relate to "protected characteristics" such as age, disability, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. Some bullying behaviour may also amount to harassment or discrimination depending on the circumstances, but bullying on its own is not usually a separate legal claim.
What if I feel unsafe or very unwell?
Your safety and wellbeing are a priority. You may want to speak to your GP, an employee assistance programme (if your employer offers one), a trusted manager, HR, a trade union representative or an independent support organisation. If you ever feel at immediate risk, follow your workplace safety procedures and seek urgent help.
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Related Templates
A structured template to help you document bullying or other inappropriate behaviour at work, including dates, times, what happened and who was involved.
Important: WorkAnswers provides general workplace information for UK employees. It is not legal advice and does not replace advice from a qualified professional. Workplace situations can depend on individual circumstances.
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