JOIN THE END WORKPLACE ABUSE STUDENT NETWORK
Workplace abuse is one of the most common — and least understood — problems workers face. Many students will experience it during internships, part-time jobs, or early careers.
This toolkit helps you educate your campus, support peers, and advocate for stronger worker protections.
You don’t need to be an expert to get started — just a willingness to create conversations and take action.
Questions? Email info@endworkplaceabuse.com.
Host a campus discussion
Goal
Create a safe space for students to learn about workplace abuse and share experiences.
Event Format (60-90 minutes)
1. Opening (5 minutes)
Introduce the topic:
Workplace abuse includes repeated verbal abuse, intimidation, humiliation, sabotage of someone’s work, retaliation, or coordinated efforts to push someone out of a job.
Many workers have no legal protections unless the abuse is tied to discrimination under civil rights law, which has been watered down over the years.
2. Short Presentation (10–15 minutes)
Topics you can cover:
• What workplace bullying and mobbing look like
• Power dynamics at work
• How abuse impacts mental health and careers
• Why many workers currently have no legal protection
• The Workplace Psychological Safety Act
You can show:
• A short video from the End Workplace Abuse YouTube channel
• A presentation based on this slide deck you can copy and modify
3. Discussion Questions (30–45 minutes)
Use open-ended prompts like:
• Have you or someone you know experienced mistreatment at work or during an internship or other job?
• Why do you think workplace abuse is rarely discussed?
• What power dynamics exist between workers and supervisors?
• Should workers have legal protection from psychological abuse at work?
• What responsibilities should employers have to create safe workplaces?
Encourage others to share if they feel comfortable — but never pressure anyone.
4. Closing Reflection (10 minutes)
Ask participants:
• What surprised you about this topic?
• What changes would you like to see in workplaces?
Invite students to stay involved.
Run a campus awareness campaign
Goal
Make workplace abuse visible and start conversations across campus.
Campaign Idea #1: “Work Shouldn’t Hurt”
Students share messages about the reality of workplace abuse.
Examples
• Posters around campus
• Social media graphics
• Chalk messages on sidewalks
• Instagram story campaigns
Sample messages:
• “Work shouldn’t destroy your mental health.”
• “Workplace abuse is not part of the job.”
• “No one should be bullied out of their career.”
• “Psychological safety matters at work.”
Download and print:
Campaign Idea #2: “Name the Abuse”
Many workers don’t recognize abusive behavior.
Create educational posts that explain behaviors like:
• Public humiliation
• Gaslighting
• Sabotaging someone’s work
• Retaliation for reporting concerns
• Workplace mobbing
Example format:
Slide 1:
“Is this workplace abuse?”
Slide 2:
“A manager repeatedly humiliates an employee in meetings.”
Slide 3:
“Yes — public humiliation is a common bullying tactic.”
Campaign Idea #3: Internship Reality Campaign
Ask students to anonymously submit stories about:
• Toxic internships
• Retaliation
• Exploitation
• Bullying supervisors
Share them as:
• Anonymous quotes
• Posters
• Social media posts
This helps students realize they are not alone.
Organize a campus event
Event Ideas
Panel Discussion
Invite speakers such as:
• Labor organizers
• Employment lawyers
• Workplace abuse advocates
• Public health researchers
• Students with lived experience
Suggested topics:
• Workplace abuse and mental health
• Power dynamics in the workplace
• Worker protections and labor policy
Film Screening + Discussion
Show a documentary or relevant media and host a discussion afterward.
Example discussion topics:
• Power structures at work
• Why abuse persists in organizations
• How laws could change workplace culture
Speaker Event
Invite an advocate, researcher, or survivor to share their experience.
Possible themes:
• Surviving workplace mobbing
• Organizing for worker protections
• Psychological safety at work
Student Workshop
Teach students practical skills:
• Recognizing workplace abuse
• Documenting incidents
• Knowing worker rights
• Supporting coworkers experiencing abuse
Quick Event Checklist
Before your event:
☐ Reserve a room
☐ Promote through student groups and social media
☐ Prepare discussion questions
☐ Bring sign-in sheet for interested students
☐ Print informational materials
After your event:
☐ Share photos and highlights online
☐ Thank speakers and participants
☐ Invite attendees to stay involved
Advocate for worker protections
You can also help advance policy change.
Possible actions:
• Contact state legislators about workplace abuse legislation
• Write op-eds in campus newspapers
• Organize petition drives
• Meet with local policymakers
• Share educational resources online
Raise awareness of bills like the Workplace Psychological Safety Act.
Promote student well-being
Discussions about workplace abuse can bring up difficult experiences.
Encourage participants to:
• Take breaks if needed
• Share only what they feel comfortable sharing
• Access campus counseling resources if needed
Remind students:
Experiencing abuse at work is never the worker’s fault.
Build a student organizing team
If students want to stay involved, they can:
• Join the End Workplace Abuse Student Network
• Host additional events
• Run awareness campaigns
• Advocate for policy change
• Support peers who experience workplace abuse