Workplace mobbing refers to repeated harassment or intimidation at work. Historical prevalence figures in the source article have not been verified here and should not be read as current global rates.
Abuse of power can make a person feel unsafe, whether the harm is psychological, physical, or both.
A harasser may undermine a person's sense of safety through humiliation, intimidation, excessive tasks, unfair restrictions, or other harmful conduct that may push them to leave.
How can you identify workplace mobbing?
Repeated harmful conduct can come from colleagues or supervisors. Motives vary; investigators should focus on evidence and impact rather than presume why a person acted.
Possible signs include:
- Humiliation in private or public, including through chat or video calls.
- Threats and verbal aggression.
- Discriminatory comments about gender, ethnicity, beliefs, sexuality, or other characteristics.
- Unjustified removal of responsibilities.
- Exclusion from relevant activities or colleagues.
Possible effects include:
- Conflict at work.
- Distress, reduced confidence, or difficulty concentrating. A qualified clinician should assess any mental-health symptoms.
- Physical symptoms or sleep difficulties, which also warrant professional assessment.
- Social withdrawal or irritability.
How can someone report mobbing?
Reporting is not always easy. People may fear they will not be believed or may blame themselves. A company's Code of Ethics should make support, fair procedures, and protection from retaliation clear.
Tell a trusted colleague, manager, human-resources professional, or other appropriate contact.
A change in duties or work arrangements may be worth discussing, depending on the circumstances and the person's wishes.
Keep relevant evidence
Messages, emails, dates, and witnesses can help document a concern. Laws on recording calls differ, so obtain legal advice before recording anyone. Medical information should be handled sensitively.
Use a trusted reporting channel
An ethics hotlinecan offer confidential reporting and, where available, anonymity. The organization must also investigate fairly and protect people from retaliation.
Workplace harassment can affect people and their work. Organizations should address reports promptly and build a safer climate. EthicsGlobal can support better corporate practices.
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