Workplace bullying is defined in both the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and the Department of Enterprise and Employment codes of practice as follows:
"Repeated inappropriate behaviour, direct or indirect, whether verbal, physical or otherwise, conducted by one of more persons against another or others, at the place of work and/or in the course of employment which could reasonably be regarded as undermining the individual's right to dignity at work. An isolated incident of the behaviour described in this definition may be an affront to dignity at work but, as a once-off incident, is not considered to be bullying."
The HSA code outlines how employers should prepare an anti-bullying policy and explains procedures for addressing allegations. The formal procedure involves written complaints examined by a designated member of management, and an eventual investigation either by management or an agreed third party.