New approaches to preventing workplace bullying
This project aims to develop an evidence-based toolkit of approaches to preventing or addressing workplace bullying.
Project update
Our research partner, the University of South Australia’s International Centre for Allied Health Evidence, has completed the first phase of work for this project.
The Centre completed a literature review that examined the individual and organisational risk and protective factors for bullying, any interventions that can decrease the incidence of bullying in the workplace, and the experience of bullying during home-based work periods.
Building on this initial work we’ve partnered with Edith Cowan University to undertake the next phase of the project.
Their scoping review: New Approaches to the Prevention of Workplace Bullying: A Scoping Literature Review and Evidence Guide has identified six key factors that are commonly in place in organisations that are successful in stamping out or alleviating workplace bullying.
Read the Abridged Summary which highlights the six key prevention factors.
Project overview
While most workers behave respectfully, workplace bullying remains a concern across Comcare’s jurisdiction.
Given the increasing focus on managing psychosocial risks in workplaces, bullying will be a key hazard for organisations to control, since one third of mental stress claims in the Comcare scheme in 2020–21 related to bullying and harassment.
Workplace bullying is a complex challenge, especially considering hybrid working arrangements, that calls for new approaches and commitment to effectively reduce the prevalence of bullying and its associated costs.
This project will first investigate the existing evidence base around the organisational and individual risk and protective factors for bullying, including effective interventions. It will then develop an easy-to-use toolkit of evidence-based initiatives for the prevention of workplace bullying.
We are currently working with select APS agencies to trial the toolkit in 2024. More information will be made available as the trial progresses.
Project participants
Project lead
- Comcare
Other organisations involved
- Employers within the Comcare scheme
- University of South Australia
- Edith Cowan University
Findings and reports
Literature Review: Working from home (WFH) and workplace bullying – Overview (PDF, 919.4 KB)
More information
For more information on this research project, please contact research@comcare.gov.au.
