Bullying & performance management
Performance management is intended to be a reasonable and constructive process to improve performance (often via a Performance Improvement Plan or PIP with measurable goals and review checkpoints). The Fair Work Commission (FWC) is reluctant to find bullying where a manager has acted reasonably to set and enforce standards.
- Higher standards from a new manager are not necessarily unfair; reasonableness depends on the circumstances, consultation and feedback.
- Employees may feel intimidated by a PIP. Distinguish elements that are reasonable from those that are not (e.g., vague allegations, unachievable targets, or failure to provide support).
See also our topic on Performance Management.