I write this article as prompted by the Holy Spirit, as someone who has personally experienced workplace bullying in my career and witnessed the painful impact it has had on other believers. My aim, as led by the Holy Spirit, is to encourage every believer and even non‑Christians who may read this. God loves you deeply, and workplace bullying is never His plan for your life.
What Workplace Bullying Looks Like Today
Workplace bullying is an increasingly recognised problem across UK workplaces. Surveys indicate that up to 50 per cent of UK workers experience bullying at some point in their careers, particularly in high-pressure environments such as healthcare. Bullying behaviours include intimidation, exclusion, undermining, excessive criticism, and hostile conduct that causes psychological distress and harm.
In the NHS specifically, the annual NHS Staff Survey continues to find unacceptably high levels of bullying and harassment:
- 18 per cent of staff report bullying from colleagues in the past 12 months and 9 per cent from managers.
- Incivility and everyday rude behaviour are even more widespread, often experienced by 70 per cent or more staff, creating a hostile work environment.
- These behaviours contribute to stress, poorer mental health, reduced engagement, and lower quality of care for patients, costing the NHS billions annually.
Bullying can occur between peers, from supervisors, or even from patients and the public, and while not all bullying is intentional, its effects are real and harmful.
A Biblical Perspective on Bullying
Scripture consistently teaches dignity, respect, and justice. Genesis 1:27 states that every person is created in the image of God, implying we are to treat each other with honour. James 3:17 describes wisdom from above as “peaceable, gentle, and full of mercy and good fruits,” the opposite of bullying behaviours that disrupt peace and harm others.
The Bible does not ignore human brokenness. It recognises conflict, injustice, and harmful behaviour, but calls believers to respond with righteousness, courage, and wise action rather than passivity or retaliation.
Why Bullying Hurts Us Spiritually and Psychologically
Bullying undermines a person’s sense of safety, belonging, and dignity. It can:
- Damage mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, or burnout.
- Undermine confidence and job performance.
- Create division and disharmony in teams, affecting morale and productivity.
- Weaken the witness of believers in the workplace by fostering fear and silence instead of courage and truth.
Biblical Principles for Dealing with Workplace Bullying
1. Recognise and Name the Behaviour
Scripture emphasises truth. Ephesians 4:25 calls believers to put away falsehood and speak truth. A key first step is recognising specific behaviours as bullying. This means naming what is happening rather than minimising it or assuming you are overreacting.
Keeping a written record of behaviours (times, dates, specifics, statements made) is both practical and aligned with biblical wisdom of having evidence (Deuteronomy 19:15). Documenting patterns empowers clarity and supports any future reporting.
2. Respond with Integrity and Courage
Christians are not called to endure abuse in silence but to stand for justice. Proverbs 31:8–9 says to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; defend the rights of the poor and needy. This principle applies in the workplace when behaviour is harmful or unjust.
Approaching the person who is bullying, if safe, is a first step. Matthew 18:15 outlines a process of private confrontation to seek resolution. This is not about revenge but about restoring dignity and correcting behaviour.
3. Seek Support Through Proper Channels
Workplaces in the UK and the NHS have structured systems to address bullying:
- Freedom to Speak Up Guardians and Champions in the NHS exist to support staff who feel unsafe or bullied.
- HR departments, line managers, and internal grievance processes can be used to log concerns formally.
- Use external advice services such as ACAS or the National Bullying Helpline when workplace channels are not effective.
Scripture supports wise counsel (Proverbs 11:14) and using established authority structures to pursue fairness.
4. Protect Your Wellbeing and Establish Healthy Boundaries
While standing against bullying, protect your emotional and physical wellbeing. Jesus regularly withdrew to pray and rest (Luke 5:16).
Taking time to recharge, work with mentors, and avoid isolation is not weakness, it is wise stewardship of your mental health.
Boundaries are not contrary to love; they are necessary for healthy relationships and effective service.
5. Respond with Christlike Character
Romans 12:17–21 teaches believers not to repay evil for evil but to overcome evil with good. This means:
- Refusing to adopt bullying behaviours in response.
- Responding with respect, calm, and truth.
- Maintaining character even under pressure.
This does not excuse harmful conduct, but it guards your own heart and ensures your response is honouring to God.
Practical Steps at Work
Practical steps include:
- Keeping clear documentation (email, dates, incidents).
- Reviewing organisational policies on bullying and harassment.
- Raising concerns with a trusted manager or union rep.
- Utilising Freedom to Speak Up Guardians in the NHS.
- Seeking supportive networks or counselling when needed.
- Escalating formally if initial reports are ignored.
Final Thought
Workplace bullying is real, widespread, and damaging to individuals and organisations. It requires both compassionate acknowledgement and courageous action. As believers, we honour God by standing for justice, seeking reconciliation where possible, and protecting the wellbeing of ourselves and others.
God calls us to be peacemakers and truth bearers in every sphere of life, including our workplaces. As we walk in wisdom, grace, and courage, we reflect His light even in difficult environments.
Altar call: For anyone reading this article who is not saved and wants to be part of the family of God or you want to re-dedicate your life back to Jesus, please repeat this out loud. “Lord Jesus, I believe You died for my sins and rose again. I turn from my old ways and ask You to forgive me. Come into my heart, be my Lord and Saviour. Fill me with Your Spirit and help me live for You. Thank You for saving me, in Jesus Name. Amen“
Prayer-Declaration: Father, surround those experiencing workplace bullying with Your peace, strength, and protection. Father, please remind them of their worth and dignity in You. Heal every wound, silence every fear, and guide them with wisdom. Raise helpers around them and open doors of justice, safety, and favour. Let Your love steady their hearts each day, in Jesus Name, Amen.
About The Author
Mrs Edore Sambo is a Deaconess in the RCCG and also a UK qualified coach (accredited with ILM and EMCC-UK member)
Email: [email protected]
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