Bullying and Harassment Awareness: Why Every Workplace Needs to Prioritise It

February, 2025

Workplace bullying and harassment remain some of the most significant contributors to poor culture, staff turnover and psychosocial harm in Australian organisations. While many businesses have policies in place, awareness and capability building are essential to ensure people understand expectations, recognise inappropriate behaviour and know how to respond effectively.

Bullying and harassment training is not just a compliance activity. It builds the foundations of a respectful, safe and high-performing workplace — something every organisation can benefit from.

1. Awareness prevents issues before they escalate

Most inappropriate behaviour starts small — offhand comments, exclusion, social pressure, or tone issues that gradually worsen. When workers and leaders understand what bullying and harassment look like, they are more likely to identify early warning signs and take proactive steps to prevent escalation.

A knowledgeable workforce helps create a culture where issues are addressed early, respectfully and constructively.

2. Training supports psychosocial risk management

With the introduction of psychosocial hazards into WHS legislation, organisations now have a clear obligation to identify, manage and minimise risks related to behaviour, conflict and poor culture.

Bullying and harassment are recognised psychosocial hazards. Training plays a critical role in helping businesses:

• understand their obligations

• recognise behavioural risk factors

• respond appropriately

• implement controls that strengthen safety and wellbeing

3. Leaders need confidence and clarity

Supervisors and managers often report uncertainty when dealing with behaviour concerns. They may worry about saying the wrong thing, escalating a situation or appearing unfair.

Leadership-specific bullying and harassment training helps leaders:

• set clear behavioural expectations

• have early conversations

• respond appropriately and consistently

• document and escalate issues when needed

• support both the affected individual and the team

Confident leaders reduce risk, improve culture and strengthen trust.

4. A respectful workplace improves engagement and performance

Employees feel safer and more supported in workplaces where respectful behaviour is understood, modelled and reinforced. This leads to:

• stronger team relationships

• improved communication

• reduced conflict

• higher job satisfaction

• better organisational outcomes

Respectful behaviour is not just a cultural goal — it’s a strategic advantage.

How You Train Can Help

At You Train, we deliver practical and engaging bullying and harassment awareness training for general staff, supervisors and managers. Programs are tailored to your organisation and can include:

• general awareness programs

• leadership-focused behaviour and response training

• Respect at Work requirements

• team communication and behavioural expectations

• preventing and responding to psychosocial hazards

Whether your organisation needs a short awareness session, a more in-depth half-day workshop, or training tailored to recent or emerging issues, we can support you with high-quality, relevant and professional programs.

To discuss training options or request a tailored program, contact us at learn@youtrain.com.au