Mobbing is a form of systematic and repetitive workplace harassment that aims to or leads to humiliation, isolation, or exclusion of an employee. It is a serious phenomenon that has real consequences for the health and functioning of the organization.
Characteristics of mobbing
- Durability over time: actions are not one-off, but are repeated regularly.
- Persecutive intent or exclusionary effect: Even if there is no explicit intent, the effects can be destructive.
- Progressive isolation: the person gradually loses support, access to information, and participation in team activities.
Forms of psychological violence
Psychological violence can take various, often subtle, forms:
- public humiliation or ridicule
- systematic exclusion from communication and decisions
- unjustified work overload or, on the contrary, taking away tasks
- unjustified demotion or questioning of competence
Consequences
- For the employee: stress, burnout, lower self-esteem, health problems.
- For organizations: decreased efficiency, employee turnover, deterioration of the work climate, legal risk.
The line between conflict and mobbing
Not every workplace conflict constitutes bullying. Repetition, power imbalance, and the long-term nature of the activity are key factors.
Mobbing is a process, not a single event.
Practical conclusion
Organizations should implement clear anti-mobbing procedures, provide safe reporting channels, and train leaders to recognize and respond to psychological abuse.
Early response is key to prevent escalation and protect employee well-being.