Workplace bullying is a serious problem that damages your health and career. Whether the harassment comes from a colleague or a manager, without evidence you are powerless. A private detective can help objectively document the facts.
What is workplace bullying?
The Belgian Well-being at Work Act defines workplace bullying as an unlawful set of several similar or different behaviours, inside or outside the workplace, which over a period of time have the purpose or effect of harming the personality, dignity, or physical or psychological integrity of an employee.
Forms of workplace bullying
- Social isolation. Systematically ignoring, excluding from meetings, no longer greeting
- Professional undermining. Assigning unreasonable tasks, taking away work, sabotaging goals, not recognising results
- Verbal abuse. Belittling, mocking, gossiping, shouting, humiliating in front of colleagues
- Bullying by a manager. Abuse of power, threats of dismissal, unfair evaluations, unfounded warnings
- Cyberbullying. Offensive messages via email, chat, or social media within the work context
What can you do yourself?
- Keep a log: date, time, what was said or done, who was present
- Save all relevant messages and emails
- Speak to the company's confidential counsellor or prevention advisor
- File a formal complaint through the internal complaints procedure
- Contact the External Service for Prevention and Protection at Work
- Consult an employment law lawyer
How a private detective helps with workplace bullying
Your own log and witness statements are a good start, but objective professional evidence carries more weight. We document what happens on and around the workplace: observing behaviours, establishing facts, and building a file usable before the employment tribunal, the prevention advisor, or an internal complaints procedure.
Frequently asked questions about workplace bullying
What if my employer does nothing about the bullying?
If your employer does not respond adequately to your complaint, you can file an external complaint with the External Service for Prevention and Protection at Work, or initiate proceedings before the employment tribunal.
Can I be dismissed for filing a complaint?
No, the law protects employees who file a formal complaint about bullying. A dismissal following such a complaint is presumed to be unlawful and can lead to compensation.
What is the difference between bullying and a conflict?
A conflict is a disagreement between equal parties. Bullying is a repeated pattern of unlawful behaviour with a power imbalance. The difference lies in the repetition, the intention, and the impact.
Request confidential adviceBenieuwd hoe een onderzoek verloopt? Bekijk Our method.