Office Bullying and Harassment Policy Volume Nov 2013 | Page 32

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spreading malicious gossip or rumours

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engaging in harmful or offensive initiation practices or hazing

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physical or verbal threats (this could also constitute “violence” or “improper activity or
behaviour” under the Regulation)

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making personal attacks, based on someone’s private life and/or personal traits

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making aggressive or threatening gestures

This is not a complete list. Other, more subtle behaviours, such as patterns of targeted social
isolation, might also be considered bullying and harassment if they’re humiliating or intimidating, and
fit the definition of bullying and harassment set out in the OHS policies. When assessing a situation to
determine if bullying and harassment is taking place, always consider the context.

Common terms
Some common terms used to describe workplace bullying and harassment include: mobbing,
abuse, workplace aggression, horizontal/lateral/worker-to-worker violence, victimization, hazing,
and social undermining.

What is not bullying and harassment?
Not every unpleasant interaction, instance of disrespectful behaviour, or workplace conflict is
considered bullying and harassment. Examples of behaviours that may not be bullying and
harassment, if undertaken in an appropriate manner, include:
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expressing differences of opinion

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offering constructive feedback, guidance, or advice about work?related behaviour
and performance

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Toward a respectful workplace

making a legitimate complaint about someone’s conduct through established procedures