Defining Bullying and Harassment

Clarity about definitions prevents minimising harm as "banter" and helps teams act consistently. Bullying is typically a pattern; harassment can occur in a single incident if the conduct meets the legal threshold. Digital channels (email, messaging apps, social media) are part of the workplace if used for work or between colleagues.^[1][2][3]

Working definitions (operational)

Bullying is persistent, offensive, intimidating, malicious, or insulting behaviour - an abuse or misuse of power - that undermines or injures the recipient. Harassment is unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic that violates dignity or creates a hostile environment; sexual harassment is unwanted sexual conduct (comments, images, touching) with the same effect.^[1][2]

Victimisation occurs when someone is treated badly for making or supporting a complaint.

^[2]

Behaviours that cross the line in optical settings

• Public ridicule or sarcasm about competence during clinics or at the bench; "joking" put-downs after mistakes.^[1][6]
• Intrusive comments on appearance, body, pregnancy, or gender; sexualised remarks, images, or "rating" colleagues.^[2][6]
• Exclusion and sabotage: withholding information critical to safe handover; scheduling conflicts used to undermine; isolating a colleague from team communications.^[1][6]

Feedback vs bullying-practical tests

Feedback addresses a specific behaviour and its impact on patients/colleagues, uses respectful language, and is typically private and timely. Bullying generalises ("you're useless"), attacks identity, or repeats after discomfort is expressed.^[5][1]

Where "banter" causes distress and the behaviour continues, it is no longer mutual or harmless. Simple checks help: Would you say this in front of a regulator? Would you be comfortable if recorded? Would you say it to someone of any gender/ethnicity? If not, do not say it. Maintaining these operational definitions supports consistent action across the team.^[2][4]

References (numbered in text) Why we include references

1. Bullying at work — Acas Find (opens in a new tab)
2. Sexual harassment and harassment at work: technical guidance — Equality and Human Rights Commission (15 January 2020) Find (opens in a new tab)
3. Workplace bullying and harassment — GOV.UK Find (opens in a new tab)
4. Workplace bullying and its impact on the quality of healthcare and patient safety — Al Omar M.; Salam M.; Al-Surimi K.; Human Resources for Health (2019) Find (opens in a new tab)
5. Feedback in Clinical Medical Education — Jack Ende; JAMA (1983) Find (opens in a new tab)
6. Regulator & sector organisations move to tackle significant levels of bullying, harassment and discrimination in optical professions — General Optical Council Find (opens in a new tab)