As an employer, you should be aware of the legal risks associated with harassment and bullying and the steps that can be taken to minimise their potential liability.

Harassment & bullying

Harassment is unwelcome conduct that humiliates, offends or intimidates people.

Under Australian anti-discrimination law an employer, regardless of size, may be legally responsible for discrimination and harassment which occurs in the workplace. Employers must actively implement precautionary measures to minimise the risk of discrimination and harassment occurring.

Bullying is another form of workplace harassment that many employers must address. Examples of bullying behaviour include:

• unfair and excessive criticism
• publicly insulting victims
• constantly changing or setting unrealistic work targets
• undervaluing employees’ efforts at work.

As an employer, you should be aware of the legal risks associated with harassment and bullying and the steps that can be taken to minimise your potential liability.