EUROFOUND - European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions

09/25/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/25/2024 02:41

Workplace bullying, harassment and cyberbullying: Are regulations and policies fit for purpose

Industrial relations and social dialogue

Workplace bullying, harassment and cyberbullying: Are regulations and policies fit for purpose?

Authors
Abstract

Over the last decade, information and communication technologies have changed the way employees work and communicate with each other. While the digitalisation of work offers many benefits, widespread access to digital devices in working life has created new forms of antisocial behaviour. This report maps national regulatory instruments aimed at counteracting antisocial behaviours at work, particularly bullying and harassment. Legislative reviews indicate that in many Member States online forms of abuse are often viewed as extensions of the traditional form of face-to-face bullying or harassment rather than as a distinct phenomenon requiring separate regulation. Some countries have amended existing legislation to include cyberbullying and online harassment. This report reviews to what extent such online conduct is regulated in EU Member States and Norway. As regulatory change is generally prompted by a certain level of policy debate, the report also explores national-level debates and whether there is empirical evidence documenting the issue or that potentially indicate a rise in the phenomenon.

Key messages

  • Cyberbullying is seen as an extension of traditional bullying or harassment in most EU Member States, with Denmark explicitly recognising 'digital harassment' in its laws. The ratification of the ILO Convention No. 190 is expected to lead to further regulatory changes in countries that ratify it.
  • Workplace bullying varies widely, with rates ranging from 2% to as high as 40%, and higher rates shown in specific sectors. This evidence highlights the need for greater attention in policy debates.
  • Cyberbullying at work is less studied and less common than face-to-face bullying. It is, however, equally harmful to mental health and therefore requires new and targeted workplace interventions.
  • The prevention of both offline and online workplace bullying is critical.Employers have a key role to play in including bullying in all its forms in health and safety risk assessments. Clear policies and internal rules on prohibited behaviours, reporting, incident handling and prevention measures are essential.
  • The remote work environment can encourage antisocial behaviours. With the rise of work outside the office, it will be crucial that traditional management practices adapt and effective virtual leadership skills are developed.
  • Tables and graphs
  • Catalogue info

The report contains the following list of tables.

  • Table 1: Overview of statutory approaches to address bullying or harassment at work
  • Table 2: National statutory law addressing (directly or indirectly) workplace bullying and harassment
  • Table 3: Overview of EU Member States requiring employers to adopt anti-bullying or anti-harassment policies
  • Table 4: National survey-based studies reporting prevalence of bullying and other abusive behaviours at work
  • Table A1: List of national correspondents participating in the research
Number of pages
56
Reference nº
EF24019
ISBN
978-92-897-2419-7
Catalogue nº
TJ-01-24-000-EN-N
DOI
10.2806/8853437
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Cite this publication

Eurofound (2024), Workplace bullying, harassment and cyberbullying: Are regulations and policies fit for purpose?, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.