1. Bern University of Applied Sciences
  2. About BFH
  3. Profile + Values
  4. Protection of personal integrity at BFH
  5. Workplace bullying
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Workplace bullying

Workplace bullying describes conduct that repeatedly and systematically persecutes, degrades and, in doing so, isolates or ostracises a person or persons over an extended period of time.

This page offers affected persons and interested parties:

  • Information: what is bullying?
  • Explanations: what should you do if you are affected by bullying? What should you do if you have observed bullying?
  • Resources: information and support services

We do not tolerate bullying. We, and in particular persons in positions of authority, have a responsibility to ensure a harassment-free environment. The basis for this are the BFH Code of Conduct and the Regulations for the protection of personal integrity.

Persons affected by bullying receive counselling and support. Persons who bully others are held accountable.

At a glance

What is bullying?

Workplace bullying describes conduct that repeatedly and systematically persecutes, degrades and, in doing so, isolates or ostracises a person or persons over an extended period of time. It is sometimes done with the intention of driving the target out of their position or their degree programme.

Bullying can involve various behaviours, such as:

  • intentionally degrading treatment;
  • exclusion;
  • refusal to provide information;
  • fraudulent accusations;
  • defamation.

You’ve experienced an incident – what should you do?

1. Address the person directly:
 

  • If you feel that you have been affected by bullying, tell the other person clearly and unambiguously that you do not accept their behaviour.
  • Get support in your private and professional environment.

2. Documentation:
 

  • If you suspect that you are being bullied, we recommend that you keep a diary and record the incidents: who did what or said what when? Was there a precipitating event? Are there witnesses or evidence?
  • Save evidence.

3. Confidential counselling and support:
 

  • If necessary, seek confidential advice from the responsible counselling centres.

4. Internal contact via the line manager or report to the Investigative Service:
 

  • If you would like us to do something, talk to your supervisor, the HR consultant responsible for you, your teachers or the head of your degree programme, or contact the BFH Investigative Service.
  • You can find information on making internal contact via the line manager or reporting to the Investigative Service on the page about the protection of personal integrity at BFH.

Further information

You’ve witnessed an incident – what should you do?

How should you behave when you observe bullying in your environment? You can assist the person who experienced the bullying with the following actions:

  • Talk to the affected about the incidents.
  • Encourage them to take action and defend themselves against the attacks.
  • Inform managers of the harassment.
  • If there is an investigation of the incident, make yourself available as a witness.
  • Demonstrate civic courage: Do not laugh at bullying language and jokes. Say that you don’t find it funny.

Source: movis.ch/en/scholarly-articles/mobbing/

The Investigative Service

The Investigative Service has an obligation to act as soon as it becomes aware of a violation of personal integrity. You can contact the Investigative Service at personal.integrity@bfh.ch or contact a member of the Investigative Service directly.