When we think of bullying, we often picture school environments, specifically classrooms and playgrounds, where children face teasing, exclusion or intimidation. However the reality is that bullying doesn't necessarily end with childhood. For many adults, it reappears in the workplace, taking on new forms that can profoundly harm their mental health, wellbeing, and professional growth.
This year’s Anti-Bullying Week theme, “Power for Good,” inspires children and young people to speak out, support each other, and work toward a kinder world. Yet, this message is just as vital in the workplace, where adults also have the power to create positive change.
What our data reveals about workplace bullying
To date, we’ve taken more than three million conversations with children, young people and adults across the UK on our text support service, Shout. Bullying is mentioned in approximately 2% of all conversations with people who text us. In 2024, we estimate that our volunteers took more than 12,000 conversations with 5000 texters about bullying. While the majority of those reaching out about bullying are under 25 years old (84%), adults over 25 also discuss bullying, often in relation to the workplace or the lasting emotional effects of earlier experiences.
We analysed a random sample of anonymised data from adults aged over 25 who contacted us about workplace bullying. All were either in full-time or part-time employment. From this analysis, several forms of workplace bullying emerged.
Texters frequently described experiences of rudeness, exclusion, and being singled out, including being dismissed, gossiped about, or humiliated in front of others. Those with autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, or mental health challenges often felt particularly targeted.
Many also reported being overworked without breaks, describing pressure to take on unmanageable workloads or work long hours without adequate rest. Others highlighted the impact of a toxic workplace culture, where bullying behaviours were ignored or even reinforced by managers.
Experiences of overly critical management were also common, with texters recounting harsh feedback, constant micromanagement, and a lack of encouragement or recognition.
Finally, some texters spoke about withholding of training and support, explaining how they were deliberately denied the tools or information needed to perform their roles effectively, leaving them more vulnerable to mistakes, blame, and further criticism.
The impact of workplace bullying on mental health and wellbeing
For many texters, workplace bullying had a profound impact on their mental health. They described experiencing anxiety, low mood, panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, and an overwhelming sense of dread about going into work. Some internalised the negative treatment, questioning their self- worth or worrying about the effect on their future careers, while others felt forced to leave their roles altogether because the strain on their wellbeing had become unbearable.
The consequences extended beyond mental health. Texters reported a range of physical symptoms including disrupted sleep, fatigue, headaches and stomach problems. For many, the strain extended into their personal lives, making it difficult to maintain relationships or find enjoyment in activities outside of work.
Bullying also led to social isolation. Some texters were deliberately excluded from team activities, conversations, or decision-making, while others withdrew from colleagues due to mistrust and the belief that they could not rely on anyone in the workplace for support. Many felt unable to raise a grievance or formally report the bullying, fearing retaliation or that speaking up would put their jobs at risk.
Overall, texters tended to reach out at the point where workplace bullying had profoundly disrupted their mental health, physical wellbeing, and social connections. What they sought most from the service was emotional validation, a safe and non-judgemental space to share experiences they could not safely disclose at work, and compassionate understanding that helped them feel less alone and more able to cope.
Shout Volunteers play a vital role in providing this support. They focus on empowering texters to identify small, manageable steps toward safety and self-care, such as reaching out to trusted colleagues or loved ones, taking restorative breaks, or seeking professional or organisational help. Texters often describe feeling genuinely heard, supported, reassured and better equipped to seek solutions in their workplace.
