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

A Eurofound study highlights significant differences between the regulations in force in EU Member States and Norway, in terms of intimidation, harassment and cyberbullying in the workplace. Cyberbullying is often regarded as an extension of conventional bullying in EU Member States, although Denmark’s laws explicitly recognise the offence of “cyberbullying”. To this end, ratification of ILO Convention no. 190 is expected to lead to regulatory changes in those countries that adopt it. Incidence of work-related harassment and intimidation varies from 2% to 40%, with higher levels apparent in certain sectors (e.g. healthcare and education). Although cyberbullying in the workplace is less common and has been less closely studied than face-to-face bullying, it nevertheless affects employees’ mental health to an equal extent, and thus calls for specific preventive measure.