Today, we hear a lot of anti-bullying messaging in schools. Kids are taught to recognize these behaviors and to stand up for their friends, creating a culture of awareness and respect early on. However, this mentality is now transferring into the workplace. More and more employees are speaking out about feeling bullied at work, turning to HR for help just as they would to a teacher or counselor back in school.
Unlike schools, where anti-bullying policies are often clearly outlined and enforced, the workplace lacks specific protections against bullying behavior. There is no federal or state law prohibiting workplace bullying. This means that employees who face ongoing mistreatment, intimidation, or verbal abuse and complain that they are being bullied are not protected by the law.
You can be fired for complaining that you, or someone else, is being bullied.
That does not mean, however, that you’re left without options. If the bully is targeting you based on protected characteristics such as age, race, gender, national origin, disability, or religion, then what you’re experiencing is not bullying—it’s unlawful discrimination.
These forms of harassment are illegal under federal laws like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, among others. In such cases, you have the right to report the behavior to HR or a supervisor, and your employer is legally obligated to take appropriate action to address the discrimination. Recognizing the difference is crucial: while workplace bullying is not legally recognized, anti-discrimination laws provide legal protections.
If you believe you are experiencing harassment related to your age, race, gender, national origin, disability, or religion, read this before reporting discrimination.
Read more about harassment and hostile work environments here.