Psychological Harassment at Work

Psychological harassment at work affects health well before it shows up in someone’s performance, and the early signs appear outside the workplace where nobody is looking for them.

Sleep goes first for most people. Then Sunday evenings become difficult. Then the rumination starts, replaying conversations and drafting replies that never get sent. Appetite, concentration and patience at home follow.

By the time it is visible at work, as missed deadlines, avoidance or sick leave, it has usually been running for months.

Two things are worth saying plainly. This is a recognised work health and safety issue, not a question of resilience. And if it is affecting your sleep, mood or health, that is worth raising with a GP, who can document it and help.

Safe Work Australia covers psychosocial hazards. This is general information rather than legal advice, and obligations vary by state and territory.

See Sentrient’s mental health and wellbeing course and psychological safety course.