Recognising and responding to covert bullying at work

Bullying at work isn’t always obvious – Find out what to look for

12 Jun 2025
by Pam Swain

Bullying in the workplace is not always easy to spot. While physical or verbal aggression is more obvious, covert bullying, such as exclusion, persistent undermining, or manipulation, can be just as damaging, yet often goes unnoticed or unchallenged. For associations, understanding and addressing all forms of workplace bullying is essential to fostering a healthy, inclusive, and productive working environment for staff and volunteers alike.

Listen to Pam Swain, Chief Executive of the British Association of Dental Nurses, explaining the less visible forms of bullying that may be affecting your organisation. Drawing from real-life and personal examples, Pam outlines what subtle bullying can look like, discuss the underlying reasons why individuals may bully their colleagues, and offer guidance on how to respond effectively if you are experiencing workplace bullying. 

Topics covered include:

  • Understanding what workplace bullying truly involves
  • Recognising subtle and covert forms of bullying
  • Exploring the motivations behind bullying behaviour
  • Practical steps to take if you or someone in your team face bullying at work (with information tailored for different national settings)