How should HR handle repeat offenders?

HR should handle repeat offenders with documented interventions, progressive discipline, and ultimately termination if behaviors don’t improve.

What strategies reduce aggressive communication at work?

Strategies to reduce aggressive communication include training in emotional intelligence, setting norms for respectful dialogue, and using conflict resolution frameworks.

How does Emtrain’s microlesson teach employees to recognize and report bullying?

Emtrain’s microlesson helps employees recognize and report bullying by clarifying what constitutes unacceptable behavior and providing safe reporting pathways.

Bullying and Aggressive Behavior

How Bullying Hurts Teams and Culture

Bullying is unequivocally unacceptable, whether in the workplace, environment (whether in person or remote), or community. The impact of one individual's words and actions can reverberate, influencing others to engage in similar mistreatment towards a particular person or group. By fostering a toxic environment, bullying poisons the very fabric of our workplace. However, there are actionable measures we can take to recognize and intervene when we encounter bullying, or witness it being inflicted upon another individual.

Microlesson Description

In this microlesson, we demonstrate how a new hire is rudely questioned about his qualifications and education by an existing employee. From body language to tone of voice, the bully shows how his behavior can create a hostile environment for the new hire, ultimately impacting workplace culture and norms of behavior. Additionally, employees and managers will also see implications based on caste discrimination.

This microlesson is included in the Preventing Workplace Harassment Training India course.

Key Concepts

Definition of bullying and what it can look like
Examples of different types of bullying
How it negatively impacts workplace culture and teams

Microlesson Features

Employee sentiment pulsing questions that provide leaders with insights into their workforce's core cultural competencies
Emtrain's Expert Answers tool, enabling employeees to submit anonymous questions about sensitive issues.

Rich, contemporary video scences illustrating key concepts through realistic scenarios
A data driven, skill-based approach to eLearning that establishes a shared language for employees.

How to Use this Lesson

Each Emtrain microlesson blends real-world video scenarios, interactive surveys, and expert insights to build stronger workplace skills. Learners gain practical actions they can apply right away, while HR leaders see measurable insights into team behaviors. And with every training plan, you get access to all 90+ microlessons across communication, inclusion, compliance, and leadership.

Teach

Learn through real-world examples and instructional content that highlight the do’s and don’ts of workplace interactions. Employees explore key concepts, see how different situations play out, and discover practical ways to build stronger, more respectful connections.

Take a free preview of this microlesson now — no obligation.

Discover

Go beyond training with Emtrain Intelligence. Embedded surveys capture employee experiences and provide benchmarks so you can understand how your team compares to global peers.

Try it now and see how Emtrain Intelligence works with this lesson.

Apply It - Take Action

Turn insights into action with clear steps for improving workplace habits. Learners walk away with practical guidance to apply immediately, while HR leaders gain data to support ongoing culture improvements.

Preview this lesson now to see the actions your team can take to make in impact — free access.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to common questions that employees and managers have about this topic. These FAQs provide a preview of what you’ll learn in this microlesson and why it matters.

What counts as workplace bullying vs. tough management?

Workplace bullying crosses the line from tough management when behavior is persistent, targeted, and intended to intimidate or demean rather than to coach or correct.

How can aggressive behavior impact morale and retention?

Aggressive behavior impacts morale and retention by creating a hostile environment, increasing stress, reducing engagement, and driving employees to leave.

Why do employees hesitate to report bullying?

Employees hesitate to report bullying due to fear of retaliation, skepticism that leadership will act, and stigma around speaking up about mistreatment.

What role do managers play in stopping bullying early?

Managers play a critical role in stopping bullying early by addressing problematic behavior immediately, setting clear expectations, and modeling respectful communication.

How can bullying escalate into legal or compliance risks?

Bullying can escalate into compliance risks when it creates harassment claims, triggers mental health or constructive dismissal cases, or leads to regulatory penalties.

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What's Covered

Bullying and Aggressive Behavior