What Is Harassment in the Workplace? 5 Clear Signs You Must Know

Have you ever felt pushed out, disrespected, or uncomfortable at work—but weren’t sure if it “counted” as harassment? You’re not imagining things. In fact, over 1 in 3 Australian workers say they’ve experienced workplace harassment, yet many still struggle to name it when it happens. Understanding what is harassment in the workplace is a vital step—especially if you or someone you support relies on routine, community participation, or employment goals through the NDIS. 

In this blog, we’ll break down five clear signs of harassment, the difference between bullying and harassment, and how supports like an Employment Assistance Program (EAP) can help you feel safer and more confident at work. If this is something you or a loved one is dealing with, keep reading—we’ll guide you through it.

 

What Is Harassment in the Workplace? A Simple Explanation

Workplace harassment is more than just a “bad day” or a one-off comment. It’s when someone at work treats you in a way that makes you feel unsafe, humiliated, or threatened—especially if it keeps happening over time. This behaviour can come from a manager, a co-worker, or even someone outside your team like a contractor or support staff.

According to the Australian Public Service Employee Census, 10.4% of employees reported experiencing harassment or bullying in the past year, with 41% reporting verbal abuse and 26.5% reporting deliberate exclusion.

For many NDIS participants, like those living with a psychosocial disability or navigating new job opportunities, harassment can make it feel impossible to feel safe, valued, or included in the workplace. It can chip away at your confidence, impact your mental health, and even stop you from achieving personal or NDIS-related goals like employment or community engagement.

Harassment can take different forms. It might look like:

• Verbal abuse – being shouted at, called names, or spoken to disrespectfully.
  
• Exclusion – being left out of meetings or social events on purpose.
  
• Unwanted physical contact – from touching to inappropriate jokes or gestures.
  
• Threats or manipulation – like being told you’ll lose your shifts or role if you speak up.
  

You don’t need to “just put up with it.” Whether you’re a participant or a carer supporting someone at work, recognising these behaviours is the first step toward change.

Remember: it’s not your fault, and you have the right to feel safe and respected at work. Keep reading to learn how to spot the signs—and what to do next if you experience them.

 

 

5 Clear Signs of Harassment You Need to Know

Sometimes, harassment can be hard to name especially when it’s subtle or brushed off as “just part of the job.” But recognising the warning signs is a key step toward protecting your wellbeing and your rights, starting work, volunteering, or simply trying to build confidence in community settings.

Here are five common signs to watch for:

1. Repeated Verbal Insults or Intimidation

• Are you often spoken to with sarcasm, raised voices, or put-downs? Repeated verbal abuse like constant criticism, threats, or name-calling is not acceptable.
• This can severely affect your confidence, mental health, and willingness to participate in job or life skill activities.

2. Exclusion From Meetings or Team Activities

• If you’re regularly left out of group chats, social events, or team discussions without reason, this may be intentional isolation.
  
• Being excluded can harm your sense of belonging and prevent you from building routines or friendships through work.

3. Threats or Coercion About Job Security or Shifts

• “You won’t get more shifts if you speak up” or “Be careful, you’re replaceable.” Sound familiar? These are scare tactics used to silence and control
  
• No one should feel forced to stay quiet to keep their role.

4. Unwanted Touch or Inappropriate Jokes

• Uncomfortable touching, sexual jokes, or suggestive comments are never “just banter.” If it feels wrong, it is
  
• Your boundaries are valid—always.

5. Online or After-Hours Harassment

• Harassment doesn’t stop at the door. Messages, social media bullying, or late-night texts count too
  
• Tip: Keep screenshots and write down what happened.

If any of these signs sound familiar, you’re not alone and you don’t have to stay silent. Support is available. Your safety matters.

 

Difference Between Bullying and Harassment at Work

Understanding the difference between bullying and harassment can be confusing, especially when the behaviours feel similar. Both can cause real harm, but there are important distinctions that matter especially when it comes to your rights and how the issue is handled legally.

Bullying is repeated, unreasonable behaviour that creates a risk to health and safety. It might look like ongoing criticism, being ignored, or being given impossible tasks. It’s often about power and control.

Harassment, on the other hand, involves behaviour that is unwelcome and linked to discrimination such as race, gender, disability, or sexuality. It could be inappropriate jokes about a disability, sexist comments, or being singled out because you receive NDIS support.

Here’s a quick comparison:

• • Bullying = repeated behaviour that causes harm
    
  • Harassment = behaviour connected to personal attributes protected by law
    

For NDIS participants, carers, or disability workers, both experiences are serious—and neither should be tolerated. Whether it’s coming from a colleague, team leader, or client, you have the right to feel safe and respected at work.

If you’re unsure what you’re experiencing, talking to a support coordinator or EAP service can help you get clear on what steps to take next.

 

How an Employment Assistance Program (EAP) Can Help You

If you’re dealing with workplace harassment, you don’t have to navigate it alone. An Employment Assistance Program (EAP) is a confidential support service designed to help employees manage personal or work-related challenges especially ones that affect mental health, safety, and wellbeing.

Here’s how an EAP can support you:

• Free, confidential counselling with trained professionals
  
• Short-term mental health support for stress, anxiety, or trauma
  
• Advice on dealing with harassment or conflict at work
  
• Referrals to advocacy services or legal information if needed

Importantly, using an EAP won’t be shared with your manager or colleagues—it’s your safe space.

For example, if you’re working in disability care and you’re being treated unfairly by a supervisor, the EAP can help you understand your rights, explore your options, and even prepare for conversations or formal steps if needed.

Don’t wait until things get worse—early support makes a big difference. If something doesn’t feel right, an EAP can be your first step towards feeling safe and heard.

 

“Many of our clients don’t realise they have access to confidential support through their EAP until things reach breaking point. But early support can protect your mental health, clarify your rights, and help you take steps safely. You’re never alone in this.”

— Mental Health Coach at Selective Support

 

 

What to Do If You’re Experiencing Harassment

If you believe you’re experiencing harassment at work, know this—you have the right to feel safe, respected, and supported. Taking the first step can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re  juggling other challenges, but you don’t have to go through it alone.

Here’s a simple guide to help you take action:

1. Document What Happened
   Write down what was said or done, who was involved, the time, date, and any witnesses. Keep screenshots or emails if the harassment is online or written. Clear records help protect you and support your case.
2. Speak to a Trusted Person or Manager
   If you feel safe, talk to someone you trust—like a supervisor, support coordinator, or workplace representative. You deserve to be heard.
3. Use Your EAP or External Support
   Reach out to your Employment Assistance Program (EAP) or contact an external service. These are confidential, and no one at work needs to know unless you choose to share.
4. Know Your Rights
   Harassment is against the law. You can contact Fair Work or the Australian Human Rights Commission for guidance and support.

Need help understanding your next steps? Talk to your support coordinator or contact us—we’ll walk through it together.

 

Conclusion: You Deserve to Feel Safe at Work

Recognising workplace harassment is the first step toward protecting yourself and those you support. Whether it’s repeated insults, being excluded, threats about shifts, inappropriate behaviour, or after-hours bullying—these are clear signs that something isn’t right. Harassment can impact not just your job, but also your confidence, mental health, and NDIS goals. That’s why it’s so important to act early, speak up, and access the right support. You are not alone, and you do not have to tolerate a toxic or unsafe environment.

If you or someone you care for is dealing with workplace harassment, reach out to us today. We’re here to support your rights, your wellbeing, and your independence.

 

 FAQs: Quick Answers About Workplace Harassment

Q1: What behaviour is considered workplace harassment?
Unwelcome actions that offend, humiliate, or intimidate—like insults, threats, unwanted touch, or being excluded—can be harassment, especially if tied to things like disability or gender.

Q2: Can you sue for harassment at work?
Yes. If the behaviour is serious or discriminatory, you may be able to take legal action through Fair Work or your state’s human rights commission.

Q3: Who do I report sexual harassment to?
You can report it to your manager or HR. If that’s not safe, contact Fair Work, the Human Rights Commission, or ask your support coordinator or EAP for help.