Workplace bullying is defined as repeated behavior that intends to intimidate, degrade, humiliate or isolate people at work, or undermines their reputation or job performance. Bullying behavior takes many forms including, but not limited to:

• Incivility – rude or discourteous behavior toward an individual or group
• Harassment – behavior directed toward an individual or group with the intent to alarm, manipulate, control or abuse
• Intimidation – threats of imminent or future harm toward an individual or group
• Exclusion – situations where a person is socially or physically excluded or disregarded from work-related activities on a regular basis.
• Humiliation – belittling or demeaning others through ridicule or spiteful remarks.

While bullying is typically defined as repeated behaviors, there are times when a behavior is so egregious that it need only happen once to be considered bullying.

NOTE: There is a distinction between a supervisor being firm in instructing and directing an employee related to job tasks or performance management and bullying. Under no circumstances should a supervisor bully an employee, or vice versa. If there are concerns that an employee is being mistreated by his/her/their supervisor, that person should address the matter with Human Resources.

Further guidance on civility in the workplace can be found in the Civility Resources Guide.