What is workplace bullying?
Workplace bullying (mobbing) is the systematic, long-term psychological harassment of an employee by other employees or managers. Such actions aim to exclude, humiliate, intimidate or isolate the victim from the team. Signs of workplace bullying may include:
Constant criticism of the person and their work.
Isolating the employee from the team.
Spreading rumours and slander.
Assigning tasks below the person’s competence or, conversely, impossible tasks.
Public humiliation and ridicule.
How someone being bullied at work may behave
A person being bullied may show a range of behaviours resulting from chronic stress, pressure and negative experiences at work. Below we describe the symptoms and behaviours of someone experiencing workplace bullying.
1. Changes in behaviour and emotions
Low energy: The person may feel chronically tired and lack the motivation and energy to carry out their duties.
Increased stress and anxiety: Frequent feelings of fear, anxiety and even panic, especially before going to work.
Depression: Symptoms of depression, such as a sense of hopelessness, sadness and loss of interest in former passions and activities.
Low self-esteem: A constant sense of incompetence and worthlessness, and a lack of belief in oneself and one’s abilities.
2. Changes in work behaviour
Avoiding contact: The person may avoid contact with other employees, meetings and conversations, becoming increasingly isolated.
Problems concentrating: Difficulty focusing on tasks, forgetting important things, mistakes at work.
Lower effectiveness: A drop in the productivity and quality of work, delays in completing tasks.
Frequent absences: More days off due to illness, frequent use of sick leave.
3. Physical changes
Health problems: Frequent headaches, stomach problems, muscle pain, insomnia and other psychosomatic complaints.
Change in appearance: Neglecting one’s appearance, losing or gaining weight because of stress.
4. Social and interpersonal behaviour
Withdrawing from social life: Avoiding social gatherings, limiting contact with family and friends.
Defensive reactions: Showing aggression, irritation or defensiveness in response to the slightest critical remark.
Seeking support: Turning to external institutions, psychologists, therapists or lawyers for help.
How to prevent workplace bullying?
Preventing workplace bullying requires systematic, well-thought-out action on several levels. Below are the key steps that can help prevent and combat bullying in a company.
1. An anti-bullying policy
The first step is to create and implement a clear anti-bullying policy. This document should include:
A definition of workplace bullying and examples of it.
A description of the procedures for reporting cases of bullying.
The consequences for those who engage in bullying.
The company’s commitment to protecting victims of bullying and supporting them in seeking justice.
2. Training and education
Regular training on workplace bullying and other forms of psychological harassment should be compulsory for all employees, including management. This training should cover:
Recognising the signs of bullying.
Techniques for dealing with bullying.
Procedures for reporting and handling complaints.
Creating a culture of respect and cooperation in the workplace.
3. Mechanisms for reporting and handling complaints
A company should have clear, easily accessible mechanisms for reporting cases of bullying. It is important that employees are confident their complaints will be taken seriously and that they won’t face further reprisals. Complaints should be handled by an independent team that ensures the process is objective and fair.
4. Support for victims of bullying
Victims of bullying should have access to psychological and legal support. A company can work with external specialists, such as psychologists or lawyers, who can help employees cope with trauma and assert their rights.
5. Promoting a positive organisational culture
An organisational culture based on mutual respect, trust and open communication is the best prevention against bullying. Employers should make sure these values are an integral part of the company’s daily activities and that any negative behaviour is corrected immediately.
Summary
Workplace bullying is a serious threat to employees’ mental health and to the effectiveness of a company. Preventing it requires integrated action on many levels: from creating an anti-bullying policy, through educating employees, to supporting victims. Only through conscious and consistent action can you create a workplace free from harassment, where every employee feels respected and valued.
