Bullying, harassment and stress
Bullying at work can take many different forms. Whether obvious or insidious, bullying at work can take a heavy toll on your work and home life. Our advice can help you get back control.
Bullied at work
You may ask yourself whether what you are going through is bullying or harassment.
Before considering making a formal complaint, try talking informally to the person who is causing you the problem. There is every chance they will not have realised how their behaviour is making you feel.
Read our bullying advice and your employer's bullying and harassment policy.
It is so important to keep a diary of each incident. You may find our diary template can help with this.
Accused of bullying
Being accused of bullying can be as stressful as being bullied.
If a co-worker speaks to you informally to discuss your behaviour towards them, take time to listen to what they say to you. Make every effort to resolve the issue informally at this early stage.
If your employer informs you that you have been accused of bullying, your employer should treat you, and your accuser, fairly, and offer you both support.
If you are being investigated or you are asked to write a statement, please contact us.
Managing stress
Nursing staff are brilliant at coping and don’t find it easy to admit that they are experiencing stress. But there are limits to the pressures that we can all endure.
We have created resources for you, as an individual, to manage your own stress and access support along with information for managers and RCN reps who will be working, at an organisational level, to create safe and healthy workplaces.
Work-related stress
You may feel very anxious about facing the person, or people, causing you the problem. The stress may be enough to make you feel you cannot attend work.
Read about your employer's duty of care - remember they have a duty of care for your health and safety.
Our Counselling service can help you manage your workplace difficulties. You can contact us to make an appointment.
Read our sickness advice to understand what you and your employer should do if you are off sick.
Read more about bullying and harassment
- Bullying and harassment
- Discrimination
- Investigations
- Refusal to treat
- Sickness
- Violence in the workplace
- Witness
- Statements: how to write them
- Grievance
How much does it cost?
More information about membership fees including monthly and annual costs.
