Workplace Bullying Support Services
Table of Contents
What is workplace bullying?
Workplace bullying generally refers to repeated unreasonable behaviour towards a worker or group of workers that creates a risk to health and safety. It may involve verbal, social, psychological or work-related behaviours that make a person feel intimidated, humiliated, isolated or undermined.
Not every difficult conversation or reasonable management action is bullying. However, when behaviour is repeated, unreasonable and harmful, employees should have a clear pathway to seek support.
How bullying can affect employees
Employees who experience workplace bullying may feel stressed, anxious, unsafe, isolated or unsure how to respond.
They may also experience:
Loss of confidence
Sleep difficulties or fatigue
Difficulty concentrating
Fear of attending work
Low mood or emotional distress
Reduced performance
Increased absenteeism
Physical symptoms related to stress
Even when a formal workplace process is underway, emotional support can be important
How EAP can help with workplace bullying
EAP counselling can help employees talk through what has happened, understand how it is affecting them and plan safe, practical next steps. Support may include:
- Emotional support
- Coping strategies for stress and anxiety
- Help preparing for conversations or reporting pathways
- Support to understand boundaries and options
- Guidance around seeking further support where needed
- Referral recommendations if longer-term care is required
EAP does not replace an employer’s responsibility to respond appropriately to workplace bullying concerns, but it can support the individual while the workplace process occurs.
Support for managers and organisations
Managers may also need guidance when an employee raises bullying concerns or when team conflict has escalated. EAP manager support can help leaders respond calmly, refer appropriately and maintain boundaries.
Organisations should have clear policies, reporting pathways and a psychologically safe culture where employees can raise concerns.
When should someone access EAP?
An employee may benefit from EAP if they feel distressed, unsafe, anxious, overwhelmed or unsure how to manage the impact of workplace bullying. EAP can also be helpful after a bullying complaint, investigation or team conflict.
How Senda Psychology supports workplace bullying concerns
Senda Psychology provides confidential EAP counselling and workplace mental health support for employees affected by bullying, conflict and difficult workplace experiences. Our approach is practical, respectful and grounded in workplace realities.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. EAP can support employees affected by workplace bullying by providing confidential counselling, emotional support and practical next-step planning.
No. EAP provides counselling and support. Workplace bullying investigations or formal processes are managed through the employer’s policies and relevant procedures.
Yes. Managers can use EAP manager support to understand how to respond appropriately, refer employees and manage the personal impact of difficult workplace situations.
Yes, EAP counselling is confidential, except where disclosure is required by law or there is a serious safety concern.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Confidential counselling and wellbeing support for employees experiencing personal or work-related challenges.
Critical Incident Response
Responsive psychological support for employees and teams following serious or distressing workplace incidents.
Manager Assist EAP
Confidential guidance for managers dealing with difficult conversations, employee wellbeing concerns, conflict or performance issues.
Workplace psychology services
Workplace-informed psychological support for employees and organisations.
Mental Health First Aid Training
Help people identify, understand and respond to someone experiencing a mental health problem or crisis
Need workplace bullying support services?
Senda Psychology can help your organisation provide confidential counselling and early support for employees affected by bullying or harmful workplace behaviour.