Bullying
ETH Zurich does not tolerate bullying or destructive conflict in any form. At our university, we work and study together in an atmosphere of team spirit, trust, motivation and absence of fear. We also foster a culture of healthy discussion and conflict resolution.
Contact for individuals affected and individuals seeking advice
Please report any bullying you experience. We are here to provide advice on questions such as: Am I being bullied? What can I do to clarify and resolve the situation? What is a possible course of action? Where can I get support? What should I consider?
The Respect Office treats all matters confidentially. You will remain anonymous to any individuals involved or accused. Even if you are the subject of an accusation, you can access the counselling services.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by a conflict at work? Or do you believe you are being deliberately bullied? Take action, as these situations rarely resolve themselves. Here are some actions you can take:
- Respond promptly and set boundaries.
Clarify the situation as quickly as possible. Make it clear to the individual in question how you feel about a particular action or statement, and demand that this behaviour stops. - Seek support.
Inform your superior about the incidents, contact your HR Partner or seek advice from the Respect Office.
The university – including all superior and tutors – has a duty to ensure a safe working and learning environment, based on trust and mutual respect. Here are some actions you can take to ensure a safe working and learning environment.
- Set an example.
In your unit or course, foster a fair and respectful culture of communication and conflict resolution, with objective feedback and transparent decisions. - React promptly and set clear boundaries.
Ensure you recognise destructive developments and escalating conflicts by closely monitoring not only the performance of staff and students but also how they interact with their peers. Do not tolerate any disparaging or defamatory comments. - Seek support.
Managing conflict constructively can be a challenge. If you need help, get in touch with the Clarification Office or the Respect Office.
ETH Zurich is committed to a culture of looking out for each other. All members are encouraged to actively oppose unfair or destructive behaviour. Here are some actions you can take if you observe bullying:
- Voice your concerns.
Report what you have seen to your superior. - Arrange help.
Direct anyone affected by bullying to ETH’s Respect Office.
Would you like to clarify the situation with the parties involved? Get in touch!
The Clarification Office is an internal ETH service that systematically clarifies your situation using a suitable approach. The office coordinates and facilitates the chosen approach, which can range from moderation or mediation to coaching or measures to clarify the situation within the team.
Prerequisites
- At least one of the parties involved is an employee of ETH Zurich.
- You are willing to collaborate constructively in the systematic proceedings.
Destructive conflict involves a dispute in which someone’s personal integrity is challenged or damaged, whether directly or indirectly. This type of conflict jeopardises the university’s safe and open working atmosphere. Bullying is a particularly destructive type of conflict where a person is systematically insulted, excluded or discriminated against.
However, mere differences of opinion are part of everyday working life and cannot be considered bullying.
Support with evaluating your case
Are you unsure whether you are being bullied? Contact the Respect Office.
Bullying covers a whole range of systematic, aggressive and discrediting behaviours, often carried out indirectly and over a prolonged period. Typical examples include:
- Personal devaluation and targeted harassment
such as constantly interrupting, contradicting, or questioning someone. - Attacks on personal integrity and dignity
such as embarrassing someone or making them look foolish in front of others, spreading rumours, or slandering someone. - Social exclusion
such as demeaning, deliberately ignoring, or excluding someone. - Unfair working or study conditions
such as assigning inappropriate tasks (deliberately expecting too much or too little of someone) or selectively withholding or hiding information. - Psychological or physical attacks
such as threats, scuffles, or use of violence.
Bullying targets a specific person and is carried out systematically over a prolonged period.
Bullying can have very damaging psychological – and often also physical – effects: strong feelings of insecurity, low self-esteem, withdrawal tendencies, post-traumatic symptoms such as disrupted sleep patterns, lack of concentration, reduced performance, stress, anxiety, and despair, typically accompanied by somatic/physical symptoms such as digestive problems or chronic pain.
In the workplace, bullying often leads to more time spent out of the office, more absences due to illness, and in some cases, extended periods off work due to burnout or depression.
Have you experienced or witnessed inappropriate behaviour at the university but are unwilling to give your name? You can make an anonymous report to ETH Zurich.
Please note: an anonymous report does not automatically trigger a formal process. It is a means of ensuring the continuous development of ETH Zurich.