Few actions in the workplace can create a toxic environment for employees like bullying.

Psychological abuse in the office can cause a significant amount of stress and be severely detrimental to overall wellbeing.

All organisations are urged to address workplace bullying as part of their employee onboarding and work health and safety induction process, but a recent study has indicated that, despite the efforts of many businesses, the problem is still causing concern.

50 per cent of Australian employees will fall victim to some form of workplace bullying in their career.

Half of Australian workers at risk?

Research conducted at the University of Wollongong, commissioned by beyondblue, has found that 50 per cent of Australian employees will fall victim to some form of workplace bullying in their career.

In addition, these alarming statistics reflect that many of the incidents go unreported, which according to beyondblue CEO Georgie Harman, is something that businesses need to be addressing.

“Current anti-bullying policies and strategies focus on individuals – the perpetrator and the victim – not the organisational structure and culture that allows the bullying to occur, and sometimes enables it,” says Harman.

“Change requires root and branch reform of organisational culture led decisively from the top by committed, unequivocal, strong leaders and managers.”

Examining the findings further, 40 per cent of those who experienced bullying did so early in their career, suggesting that an important area for businesses to focus on is OHS training regarding young workers.