(updated 29 Oct 2020)

What is workplace bullying and harassment? 

Workplace harassment occurs when a co-worker, manager or any other person at the workplace (e.g. a customer, contractor or volunteer) harasses, alarms or distresses another person with his or her behaviour. Workplace harassment may also pose a risk to the victim’s safety and health.

Forms of harassment include but are not limited to:

  • Threatening, abusive or insulting language or non-verbal gestures
  • Cyber bullying
  • Sexual harassment
  • Stalking

Harassment can take place in any setting:

  • Outside the office such as on business trips
  • On clients’ premises
  • At any other work-related occasions

It can also happen through:

  • Email
  • Text messaging
  • Social media

Steps to deal with workplace harassment or bullying

If you encounter workplace harassment, you should immediately:

  • File a report with TAFEP, or call 6838 0969 for advice. TAFEP will assist you and provide advice on the appropriate actions you can take and the avenues for support.
  • Make an online police report for possible violations under the Protection from Harassment Act (POHA). Alternatively, you may visit a police station to make your police report.
  • Make an appeal to the Ministry of Manpower if you were dismissed or your employment was terminated due to the harassment or your reporting of harassment to the management or authority. With effect from 1 April 2019, you can also file a wrongful dismissal claim at the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM)
  • Workplace Harassment and Discrimination Advisory is a free service providing advice and support (both practical and emotional) to individuals facing discrimination or harassment at the workplace. WHDA will guide you through all your various options, internal or external, including approaching your company’s HR or the Tripartite Alliance for Fair & Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP), or filing a mediation request with the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM). Call 6777 0318. Open Monday – Friday, 10am – 6pm. If you do not get through on the helpline, you may leave a voicemail or send an email instead to whda@aware.org.sg. Our advisor will get back to you as soon as possible.