The University of Southern Denmark uses the Danish Working Environment Authority’s definition of offensive behaviour stated in guideline 4.3-1 from February 2019. The Danish Working Environment Authority’s guidelines state that in connection with the performance of the work, it must be ensured that the work does not entail a risk of physical or mental health deterioration as a result of offensive acts, including bullying and sexual harassment. [...]
The behaviour is offensive if one or more persons grossly or repeatedly expose other persons to behaviour that these persons perceive as degrading. Offensive behaviour is a collective term for bullying, sexual harassment, and other ways in which violations can occur. The behaviour must be perceived as degrading by the exposed person(s). It is irrelevant whether the behaviour is an expression of thoughtlessness or a clear desire to offend. It is the person’s experience of the offensive behaviour that is central.
Bullying
Offensive behaviour in the form of bullying may include hurtful remarks, being yelled at or ridiculed, slandering, unfair deprivation of responsibilities and work tasks or unfair devaluation of employees’ and students’ work performance or competencies.
Sexual harassment
Offensive behaviour in the form of sexual harassment may include (but is not limited to) unwanted touching, unwanted solicitation of sexual intercourse, lewd jokes and comments.
Degradation
Degradation due to race, skin colour, religion or belief, political opinion, sexual orientation, gender, age, disability or national, social or ethnic origin may also be offensive.
The examples are not exhaustive.
Ordinary exercise of leadership, peer feedback and the like are not in themselves offensive behaviour.