Starting a new job in a foreign country can be both exciting and challenging. For many new migrants in Australia, adapting to a new work environment is a big part of settling in. Unfortunately, not every experience is positive. Some people may face workplace bullying—a serious issue that affects the well-being of workers. In this guide, we’ll help you understand workplace bullying in Australia, how to recognise it, and what to do if it happens to you.
What is Workplace Bullying?
Workplace bullying involves repeated behaviour aimed at causing harm, humiliation, or stress to someone in the workplace. It could come from a boss, a colleague, or even a group of coworkers. Knowing what counts as bullying can help you identify it early.
Examples of workplace bullying
- Being left out of team meetings or social activities.
- Getting unfair criticism for your work.
- Having your tasks or responsibilities taken away without a clear reason.
- Receiving rude emails or comments that make you feel uncomfortable.
“When I first started my job, I noticed that my boss would often criticise my work, even though I was following instructions. At first, I thought I just needed to improve, but the criticism became personal, and I realised something wasn’t right.” — Juan, a new migrant working in hospitality.
Workplace Rights for Migrants in Australia
It’s important to know that every worker in Australia, including migrants, has the right to a safe and fair workplace. The Fair Work Act protects all employees, ensuring that workplace bullying is not tolerated.
Here’s what you should know about your workplace rights:
- You have the right to be treated with respect and fairness, no matter where you’re from.
- You cannot be bullied, harassed, or discriminated against because of your race, nationality, or gender.
- If you experience bullying, you can seek help through Fair Work Australia or other support organizations.
“When I moved to Australia, I didn’t know much about workplace laws. After a few months, I realised that what was happening to me wasn’t normal. My coworkers would talk behind my back, exclude me from meetings, and make fun of my accent. Knowing my rights made a huge difference.” — Maria, a migrant working in retail.
How to Recognise and Respond to Workplace Bullying
Sometimes, workplace bullying can be hard to spot, especially when you’re new to a country and its work culture. It’s not always about big, obvious actions like shouting or aggression. Small things, repeated over time, can also count as bullying.
Signs of workplace bullying:
- You feel nervous or anxious going to work.
- You are regularly left out of important conversations or decisions.
- Your work is constantly being criticized without explanation.
What can you do if you think you’re being bullied?
- Document everything: Keep a record of the incidents, including dates, times, and details of what happened.
- Talk to someone: If you feel safe, try speaking to your manager or HR department about your concerns.
- Seek advice: If the issue continues, reach out to Fair Work Australia or community support services.
“I was always left out of team discussions, and whenever I asked for help, no one would offer. It was draining. I started keeping a log of everything that happened, which helped me when I finally spoke to HR.” — Ravi, a migrant working in IT.
How to Report Workplace Bullying in Australia
If you’ve tried to address the bullying and nothing changes, it’s time to consider reporting the issue formally. In Australia, there are several ways you can do this.
Steps to report workplace bullying:
- Speak to your employer: Try to resolve the issue internally by speaking with your manager or the human resources (HR) department.
- Lodge a complaint with Fair Work Australia: If internal discussions don’t resolve the problem, you can lodge a bullying claim through Fair Work Australia. They can investigate your case and offer solutions.
- Seek legal advice: In some cases, it might help to get advice from a lawyer or support group, especially if the bullying is severe.
“When my complaints to my manager didn’t stop the bullying, I reached out to Fair Work Australia. They helped me understand the process, and after reporting the issue, things began to change.” — Ayesha, a migrant working in aged care.
Workplace Culture in Australia: Understanding the Environment
Workplace culture in Australia may be different from what you’re used to. Australians tend to value open communication and fairness, but every workplace is unique. It’s important to understand the work environment and not confuse cultural differences with bullying.
For example, in some Australian workplaces, casual conversations and banter are common. However, if the behaviour makes you feel uncomfortable or targeted, it’s worth addressing.
“At first, I thought I was just being too sensitive to the jokes my colleagues made about my English. But when it started affecting my confidence, I realised it wasn’t just banter—it was bullying.” — Chen, a migrant working in administration.
Support for Workplace Bullying Victims
No one should have to deal with workplace bullying alone. There are many organizations in Australia that provide support for bullying victims, especially migrants. Whether you need someone to talk to or help navigating the legal process, support is available.
Where to find help:
- Fair Work Ombudsman: The official government body that handles workplace complaints.
- Migrant Workers Centre: Offers advice and support for migrant workers.
- Beyond Blue and Lifeline: Provides mental health support for those affected by bullying.
“It was really hard at first, but speaking to a counselor at Beyond Blue helped me gain confidence to report the issue and start the healing process.” — Sofia, a migrant working in education.
Taking Action Against Workplace Bullying
Workplace bullying is a serious issue, and it’s important to know that you have rights and protections as a worker in Australia. By recognizing the signs of bullying and taking action, you can protect yourself and create a safer environment for others. Remember, as we’ve seen in the real-life experiences of Juan, Maria, Ravi, Ayesha, Chen, and Sofia, you are not alone in facing these challenges, and there are ways to overcome them.
If you’re dealing with workplace bullying or want to learn more about your rights, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There are resources and support systems available to ensure that no one has to endure bullying at work.
Feel free to comment below or share your experience with workplace bullying. We are here to support you.