As Anti-Bullying Week 2025 continues, the message of ‘Power for Good’ applies just as much to the workplace. When we think of bullying, images of school playgrounds often come to mind. Yet, the unfortunate reality is that bullying doesn’t disappear with childhood; it simply changes its form.
That is why we have put together a full report on Mentoring as a Strategic Countermeasure: Combating the Hidden Epidemic of Workplace Bullying for you to download.
In Brief
Workplace bullying is a serious issue that impacts morale, productivity, and employee well-being, yet it often goes unnoticed or unreported. As Anti-Bullying Week encourages us to reflect on these critical issues and be the ‘Power for Good’, it’s vital we examine proactive solutions to this issue. Mentoring in the workplace stands out as an incredibly powerful option.
Recognising and Responding: Equipping Employees with Mentoring Support
Workplace bullying isn’t always overt aggression. It can manifest as subtle exclusion, constant criticism, withholding vital information, or undermining someone’s work. These insidious behaviours can be difficult for individuals to identify as “bullying” and even harder to address. This is where mentoring becomes a crucial support system:
- Clarifying the Grey Areas: A mentor can help an employee who is experiencing difficult behavior to articulate what’s happening and understand if it crosses the line into bullying. They offer an objective perspective and a safe space to discuss concerns without fear of reprisal.
- Building Confidence and Strategy: Bullying erodes confidence. A mentor can empower the mentee by helping them develop strategies for responding to difficult situations, whether it’s through assertive communication, documenting incidents, or knowing when and how to escalate a concern.
- Navigating Company Policies: Organisations often have anti-bullying policies, but employees may not know how to utilise them. Mentors can guide mentees through the official reporting channels, ensuring they understand their rights and the support available to them. This can be reinforced through company training sessions that clearly outline these procedures and the role of mentors.
By providing a trusted confidant and guide, mentoring in the workplace empowers individuals to recognise, address, and ultimately, overcome bullying behaviours, fostering a more secure working environment.
Peer Mentoring: Cultivating a Proactive Anti-Bullying Culture
While formal mentoring relationships are invaluable, peer mentoring also plays a significant role in building a positive workplace culture that actively prevents bullying. When colleagues support each other, it creates a collective strength against negative behaviours.
- Early Detection and Intervention: Just as in schools, peer mentors often have a front-line view of evolving team dynamics. They can observe subtle shifts – someone being consistently interrupted, ideas being dismissed, or a colleague being isolated – and address them proactively. This might involve a supportive conversation with the individual involved or discreetly flagging concerns to a manager or HR.
- Strengthening Team Cohesion: A robust peer mentoring program builds trust and solidarity among employees. When there’s a sense of mutual support and shared responsibility for the team’s well-being, it becomes much harder for bullying behaviours to take root. Colleagues are more likely to call out inappropriate actions or offer support to those affected, rather than remaining silent.
- Reinforcing Positive Norms: Peer mentors exemplify positive workplace behaviours, acting as cultural ambassadors. They demonstrate respectful communication, collaboration, and empathy, implicitly raising the bar for everyone. This organic reinforcement of positive norms is incredibly powerful in shaping a respectful environment that makes bullying unacceptable.
During Anti-Bullying Week, let’s remember that creating a bully-free workplace isn’t just about rules; it’s about relationships. By investing in mentoring in the workplace, both formal and peer-led, alongside effective company training, we empower our employees to thrive and build a culture where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued.
Explore Workplace Mentoring or Peer Mentoring further