People work best in a setting marked by mutual respect, personal dignity and support which utilises one's skills and abilities, and encourages further learning. Students and all members of staff, therefore, may reasonably expect to pursue their work and studies in a safe and civil environment, free from discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, threatening or violent conduct, or offences against property. 

UWA is committed to proactively addressing the issue of workplace bullying and has developed a policy, Guidelines for Conduct in the Workplace, that details the University's expectations around the behaviour of staff.  The Equity and Diversity Office is represented on the University's Anti Bullying Working Party that is considering the ways in which all staff and students can be made aware of what constitutes bullying and how this behaviour can be addressed.

The effects of bullying in the workplace can include reduced  productivity, high staff turnover, loss of good staff, increased workers compensation claims and staff absenteeism.  Bullying can affect individuals by causing high levels of stress, conflict between colleagues and decreased health and well-being.  Every staff member has an individual duty of care to contribute to a safe physical and psychological work environment. Workplace bullying is illegal and can compromise safety in the workplace.

The following videos which form the "Workplace Bullying Prevention Series" provide information about bullying and how to act on it.  These iLectures (available for viewing by UWA intranet users only) are relevant to all staff, particularly:

• those affected by bullying

• those who suspect, observe or have knowledge of bullying occurring in the workplace, even if they are not directly affected

• supervisors and managers

Video 1 - Employee Awareness and Response (10 minutes)

Video 2 - Roles and Responsiblities for Supervisors and Managers (20 minutes)