There’s a belief that bullying's embedded in New Zealand culture. 

A report from the Human Rights Commission and KPMG says the estimated cost of harassment and bullying to businesses is around $1.5 billion. 

It says the cost to employers is about $1,600 for every worker affected. 

Anti-Bullying Council Director James Hilford told Mike Hosking that bullying's rife across most industries. 

He says in all the workplaces he's been in, his experience has shown it's part of the entire country's culture. 

Hilford also says we should stop using the word ‘bullying’, redefining it as abuse instead. 

He says it's not a soft, cuddly problem, but it's a real problem, and it's straight-out abuse. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

• Report finds the high financial cost of workplace bullying
• Why is workplace bullying increasing?