To quote WorkSafe, bullying is not acceptable in any workplace. It can impact people’s health and their ability to perform and enjoy their job.

Workplace bullies now face up to 10 years in jail under new laws passed in Victoria this week.

Despite the consensus between parliament, employer groups and unions that workplace bullying is unacceptable, bullying in the workplace continues to occur. And we continue to receive requests for assistance from members about how to deal with being bullied.

It appears to us that there are some workplaces where a culture of bullying and harassment is endemic, and where bullying, if not incited by senior management, is not discouraged.

This leads to affected staff experiencing physical and psychological symptoms, and having to take personal leave. In some cases the symptoms are serious enough to precipitate a WorkCover claim.

We would hope that the new laws will cause senior managers in those workplaces in which bullying seems to be tolerated to review their organisation’s treatment of staff, and act to stamp out bullying in all its forms.