How To Deal With Harassment At Work

How to deal with harassment at work begins with working out what kind of harassment it is, because the routes differ.

Harassment connected to a protected attribute, such as sex, race, disability, age or sexual orientation, sits under discrimination law and can be taken to a commission or tribunal.

Sexual harassment has its own definition and its own avenues, and employers now carry a positive duty to prevent it.

Bullying is repeated unreasonable behaviour creating a risk to health and safety. It does not need a protected attribute, and different avenues apply.

Internally the first step is the same in each case. Record it, and raise it with somebody who is not the person involved.

Time limits apply to external avenues, so get advice early rather than after deciding.

The Australian Human Rights Commission publishes guidance for individuals. This is general information rather than legal advice, and obligations vary by state and territory.

See Sentrient’s workplace bullying course and sexual harassment course.