Workplace bullying – a guide for SMEs and start-ups

Small-medium businesses (SMEs) and start-up companies face particular challenges in managing people. There is often no dedicated human resources department within the business, or HR is just one of many functions that a managing director has responsibility for.

This highlights the importance of keeping on top of the many potential areas of liability in relation to employment issues. And workplace bullying is one of the key emerging risks for all employers.

There is a multitude of laws at federal and state level that regulate bullying. Therefore, bullying behaviour can give rise to a number of different types of claims or legal processes.

These include investigations by work health and safety authorities, workers' compensation claims, discrimination/harassment claims and even common law actions for negligence.