Bullying at workplace is unfortunately common and can have a serious impact on employees’ well-being, confidence, and career progression. However, it is not always easy to identify bullying and determine how to respond. In this article, we provide examples of workplace bullying, discuss the potential legal implications, and outline steps you can take to address workplace bullying. What we set out under each example is some of the ways you may address the bullying to make it stop. This is the approach you may favour if you want to stay working for the Company. 
However, if you want to leave the Company, we recommend that you Stay Employed, Take Advice and Act Quickly (we often help our clients negotiate exits where they leave with Tax-free compensation, a reference and their reputation intact).
Bullying at Workplace Examples
Bullying in the workplace can take many forms. Below are some common examples:
1. Verbal Abuse and Humiliation
- A manager regularly shouts or belittles you in front of colleagues.
- A colleague makes sarcastic comments about your work performance, making you feel undermined.
- You receive constant and unnecessary criticism, often in a harsh or aggressive tone.
🔹 How to Address It: If this happens to you, keep written records of the incidents, including dates, times, and witnesses. If the behaviour continues, consider what you want to do about it. If you want to stay at the Company, you will have to address the bullying, for example by raising a grievance.
2. Exclusion and Isolation
- You are left out of meetings or team activities, even though they are relevant to your role.
- Colleagues deliberately ignore your contributions or refuse to acknowledge your presence.
- You are excluded from important emails or decision-making processes.
🔹 How to Address It: If you suspect this is intentional, ask your manager why you were excluded. If there is no valid reason, raise the issue formally and document instances of exclusion.
3. Unfair Workload and Excessive Pressure
- You are given unrealistic deadlines or workloads that set you up to fail.
- A manager micromanages your every move while allowing others more freedom.
- You are expected to work longer hours than others without proper recognition or compensation.
🔹 How to Address It: Speak to your employer about workload concerns. If this is targeted and persistent, it could be a form of bullying. If you are struggling with your workload, then suffering in silence rarely helps. Often, employers will not recognise you struggling with such matters, so make them aware of it quickly.
4. Spreading False Rumours or Gossip
- Colleagues or managers spread lies about you, damaging your reputation.
- Someone falsely accuses you of misconduct without evidence.
- You overhear colleagues gossiping about your personal life or work performance.
🔹 How to Address It: If false rumours affect your work, address the issue professionally and ask for it to stop. If it continues, document the behaviour and escalate it internally.
5. Taking Credit for Your Work
- Your manager presents your ideas as their own, taking full credit.
- A colleague claims responsibility for your success while downplaying your role.
- You are deliberately excluded from recognition in front of senior leadership.
🔹 How to Address It: Politely assert your contributions in meetings and emails. If the behaviour is repeated and deliberate, consider escalating it to someone outside of your team. Make sure you have clear examples and evidence.
6. Threats or Intimidation
- A manager suggests your job is at risk if you don’t comply with unreasonable requests.
- You are pressured to resign.
- A colleague tries to intimidate you physically or emotionally, making you feel unsafe.
🔹 How to Address It: Threats and intimidation should never be ignored. Seek legal advice if you feel pressured to leave your job or experience threats.
There are of course many bullying at workplace examples, the above are some that we come across frequently.
Is Workplace Bullying Illegal?
There is no standalone legal claim for “bullying” in the UK. However, certain types of bullying may amount to legal claims such as:
✅ Constructive dismissal (only available if you have at least 2-years continuous service as an employee).
✅ Discrimination or harassment (if bullying is linked to race, gender, disability, religion, or other protected characteristics).
✅ Whistleblowing/Victimisation detriment (if you are bullied after reporting wrongdoing or discrimination).
If you are unsure whether you have a legal claim, make sure you take advice. It is important to take advice before your resign, as this may not be the best approach.
How to Deal with Bullying at Workplace
If you are experiencing workplace bullying, here are steps you can take:
Step 1: Keep Records
Document everything – emails, incidents, witness statements, and dates. This may be crucial evidence if you need to escalate the issue. However, make sure you do not breach an internal data policy that may result in disciplinary action.
Step 2: Raise a Complaint
- If you want to stay at the Company and fix the issue, this is often recommended.
- If possible, try informal discussions first.
- If the behaviour continues, raise a grievance following your company’s procedure.
- If you want to leave the company, raising a complaint can delay that process, so this should not be done without proper advice.
Step 3: Consider Legal Options
If internal action does not resolve the issue, or you would prefer to leave the Company, you can explore:
✔️ Negotiating an exit package (we always aim for Tax-free compensation, a reference and your reputation intact).
✔️ Pursuing a Tribunal Claim (this is a long and complex process, so professional advice is recommended before you take this step).
We strongly recommend taking legal advice before making big decisions, such as raising a grievance, resigning, or making a Tribunal claim.