Workplace Bullying Policy

Summary

This template is a workplace bullying policy that affirms an employer's commitment to maintaining a work environment that is free of bullying. This policy includes practical guidance, drafting notes, and an optional clause. This template is intended for private employers. Employers may include this policy in an employee handbook or distribute it as a standalone policy. It is based on federal law and does not address all potential state law distinctions; thus, you should check any relevant state and local laws. The policy defines prohibited conduct, encourages employee complaints of bullying, provides an avenue to voice such complaints, and prohibits retaliation against individuals who make complaints or participate in investigations concerning alleged bullying. For a full listing of key content covering employee handbook considerations, see Employee Handbook Resource Kit. For more information on workplace bullying, see Bullying in the Workplace: Best Practices. For a California version of this policy, see Workplace Bullying Policy (CA). For a non-jurisdictional training presentation providing guidance on identifying and handling workplace bullying, see Workplace Bullying Prevention and Response: Training Presentation. For information on workplace violence, see Workplace Violence Policies: Key Drafting Tips. Also see Workplace Violence: Key Legal Issues, Prevention, and Response, and Workplace Violence Prevention Checklist. For an annotated workplace violence policy, see Workplace Violence Policy. [>] Videos. For a video suite on the OSH Act and workplace safety and health, see OSH Act Basics Video and Workplace Safety and Health Best Practices Video. For tracking of newly enacted workplace bullying laws and other key federal, state, and local Labor & Employment legal developments, see Labor & Employment Key Legal Developments Tracker (Current).