From management styles to the makeup of our workplaces, a number of factors can increase the risk of workplace bullying.
Work stressors
High job demands, limited job control, organisational change, role conflict, job insecurity, tolerating unreasonable behaviour or a lack of behavioural standards, unreasonable expectations of clients or customers.
Leadership styles
A strict and directive leadership approach that does not allow employees to be involved in decision making. Little or no guidance provided to employees, or responsibilities are inappropriately and informally delegated.
Systems of work
Lack of resources, lack of training, poorly designed rostering, unreasonable performance measures or time frames.
Work relationships
Poor communication, low levels of support or conflict between employees.
Workforce characteristics
Some groups of employees are more at risk of being exposed to workplace bullying including: casual employees, young employees, new employees, apprentices/trainees, injured employees and employees on return to work plans, employees in a minority group because of ethnicity, religion, disability, gender or sexual preferences.