A recent survey found that 23% of British employees have experienced bullying at work, while 56% report feeling excluded by colleagues. Bullying can range from overt behaviours like verbal abuse to subtle but damaging acts like social exclusion, excessive micromanagement, and cyberbullying. 

The toll on mental health is significant:

• Increased anxiety and depression
• Poor concentration and job satisfaction
• Higher sick leave and turnover
• 62% of victims eventually leave their job

For employers, this means lost productivity, poor morale, reputational damage – and in serious cases, legal liability. 

If the issue involves discrimination – which is highly likely with bullying – it carries unlimited compensation, putting your business at significant financial risk.

Bullying Isn’t Just Bad Behaviour – It Can Be Illegal

Under the Equality Act 2010, employees are protected from harassment related to protected characteristics (such as race, gender, disability, or sexual orientation). The Health and Safety at Work Act also places a legal duty on employers to protect the mental wellbeing of their staff.

Failing to act on reports of bullying can lead to employment tribunals, reputational harm, and substantial compensation payouts. But it’s not all about legal risk – it’s also about leadership and integrity.

Bystanders Hold the Power to Change Culture

One of the most underused tools in tackling bullying is bystander intervention. Research shows that when colleagues step in, bullying stops within 10 seconds 57% of the time. Yet many people stay silent – unsure of how to help or afraid of retaliation.

Creating a culture where employees feel confident to speak up, support one another, and report inappropriate behaviour is key to prevention. But this doesn’t happen without training, guidance, and leadership buy-in.

Prevention Starts with Education

Awareness and prevention don’t need to be time-consuming or expensive.

That’s why we created the Preventing Workplace Bullying & Promoting Mental Health Awareness e-learning course – a short, actionable training designed for the modern workplace.

• Complete in 30 minutes 
• Online, accessible anytime 
• CPD accredited
• Written by award-winning lawyers
• Can support legal defence in tribunals 

Learners will explore:

• What workplace bullying looks like (including case studies)
• How bullying impacts mental health
• What the law says about your responsibilities
• How to intervene safely and report effectively
• How to support colleagues and improve team culture

Save Your Business £££s in Claims

Preventing workplace bullying isn’t just about avoiding risk – it’s about creating an environment where people feel safe, respected, and able to thrive. 

Give your team the tools they need to identify, prevent and respond to workplace bullying – promoting mental health awareness at every level by booking a demo today! Give your business protection for just £29 per person.