Bullying in the workplace

A Code of Practice on Workplace Bullying came into effect in December 2020.  The Code of Practice for Employers and Employees on the Prevention and Resolution of Bullying at Work repeals the previous Health and Safety Authority and Workplace Relations Commission Codes of Practice in this area and sets out a unified approach to the management and prevention of workplace bullying.

Key points

• The code of practice provides guidance for employers and employees on good practice and procedures for addressing and resolving bullying issues. 
• The code applies to all workers, irrespective of where they work from, be it home, at a specific location or where they are mobile employees. 
• Failing to follow the code may be admissible in criminal proceedings. 
• The code defines bullying as inappropriate behaviour which could reasonably regarded as undermining the individual's right to dignity at work. 
• Employers should have in place a formal process to deal with bullying at work.