If you’ve been bullied, insulted, or mistreated at work for a long time, don’t just endure it: document everything as evidence, then take action based on the nature of the abuse

There’s no monetary cost. However, it does take time to record details such as dates, witnesses, exact quotes from the abuser, and to keep original screenshots and emails. Legal proceedings like arbitration or lawsuits can last several months. Changing jobs is the most costly option; you must weigh these factors yourself.

From a health perspective: three Swedish and Danish cohorts comprising 79,201 working adults aged 18–65 were studied over an average of 12.4 years. At baseline, none had cardiovascular disease; 9% reported having experienced workplace bullying in the previous year. Those who endured bullying faced a 59% higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease (coronary heart disease or cerebrovascular disease; hazard ratio HR 1.59, 95% CI 1.28–1.98). Individuals subjected to workplace violence faced a 25% higher risk (hazard ratio HR 1.25, 95% CI 1.12–1.40); both risks increased with the frequency of abuse. A Norwegian nationwide survey of 1,846 workers, followed over three rounds of testing spaced two to three years apart, found that bullied individuals were more likely to develop suicidal thoughts (odds ratio OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.08–3.89). Conversely, people with prior suicidal thoughts did not later become more prone to bullying. From a legal standpoint: China currently lacks specific legislation addressing “workplace bullying”; actions must be evaluated against existing laws. Employers found guilty of insults, corporal punishment, physical assault, unlawful searches, or unlawful detention of workers face administrative penalties and must compensate for any harm; criminal acts incur further legal consequences. If an employer uses violence or threats to compel work, employees may terminate their contracts immediately without notice and are entitled to financial compensation. Employers must also implement measures to prevent and curb sexual harassment committed through abuse of authority or hierarchical relationships; victims may seek civil redress from harassers. Labor arbitration cases are resolved within 45 days of acceptance, with a possible extension of 15 days for complex cases. The Norwegian survey used a nationwide random sample, with 3 assessments spaced 2–3 years apart.

Xu T 等 (2019). Workplace bullying and workplace violence as risk factors for cardiovascular disease: a multi-cohort study. European Heart Journal. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehy683；Nielsen MB, Nielsen GH, Notelaers G, Einarsen S (2015). Workplace Bullying and Suicidal Ideation: A 3-Wave Longitudinal Norwegian Study. American Journal of Public Health. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2015.302855；全国人大常委会 (2007). 劳动合同法（第三十八条第二款、第四十六条、第八十八条）. https://www.gov.cn/gongbao/content/2007/content_711013.htm；全国人大 (2020). 民法典（第一千零一十条）. 最高人民检察院转载全文 https://www.spp.gov.cn/spp/fl/202006/t20200602_463888.shtml；全国人大常委会 (2022 年修订). 妇女权益保障法（第二十五条）. https://flk.npc.gov.cn/detail?id=ff808181841257210184281512de0eec；全国人大常委会 (2007). 劳动争议调解仲裁法（第四十三条）. 安康市人社局转载全文 https://rsj.ankang.gov.cn/Content-2150407.html

Grade B is assigned because the health figures come from observational follow-up, not randomized experiments, and bullying was self-reported. Four steps are available now. Start recording incidents today; see Section 8, item 41 (audio recordings). Report through internal channels in writing and preserve evidence that you did so. Report assault, confinement or public humiliation to the police. If forced out by unpaid wages or missing social-insurance contributions, follow items 7 (do not sign voluntary resignation) and 8 (preserve evidence before leaving). Compensation calculations are in item 4 (calculate N first when laid off). Mere neglect, exclusion or obstruction often does not fit a particular legal provision; internal complaints, transfers and changing jobs are the main routes. Arbitration takes at most 60 days from acceptance. A first-instance lawsuit must conclude within 6 months under the rules, with extensions permitted; you pay your own lawyer. If you cannot cope, call 12356 first; see Section 1, item 25 (12356). This does not recommend resigning at the first mistreatment: weigh the cost of changing jobs yourself.