An expert team has launched a new workplace bullying prevention program.

The new program - Healthy Workplaces by Design - is intended to identify and mitigate the root causes of bullying, extending beyond more obvious interpersonal triggers into psychosocial hazards, such as workplace environments, workload demands, and working practices. It was designed by experts from the University of South Australia and Australian software business, Teamgage.

The risk audit and prevention program was designed in line with new work health and safety (WHS) obligations to proactively risk-manage psychosocial hazards, especially workplace bullying.

UniSA researcher Professor Michelle Tuckey says the scheme will deliver a risk management process that uses work redesign to prevent workplace bullying and other psychosocial hazards.

 “Every employer has a legal responsibility to provide a safe workplace, but there’s an increasing pressure for businesses to better manage psychosocial risks, including workplace bullying and sexual harassment,” Prof Tuckey says.

“Workplace bullying already causes up to $36 billion of lost productivity in each year. And with Safe Work Australia recording a 75 per cent increase in the frequency of bullying claims over the past ten years, it’s a problem that is not slowing down.

“The amended legislation will require businesses to proactively address workplace bullying (and other psychosocial risks) with the same rigour as physical health and safety hazards, which means they’ll need to go above and beyond administrative controls like policies and training.” 

Trialled across 85 sites, the team behind Healthy Workplaces by Design says it has proven results, including: 

  • 34 per cent reduction in exposure to bullying behaviour 

  • 46 per cent reduction in workplace bullying complaints 

  • 73 per cent reduction in sexual harassment complaints