What Is Workplace Mobbing?

When you were a kid, it’s likely you experienced bullying yourself or witnessed a classmate being targeted. As you became an adult, you probably expected these types of behaviors to stop. However, bullying can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. Such is the case with workplace mobbing, a type of harassment that seeks to harm, embarrass, and isolate a coworker. It can be detrimental to a person’s mental health, which is why addressing it can be vital. Being aware of the signs of workplace mobbing can help you confront it and put an end to these unhealthy behaviors. Everyone deserves to feel safe at work, and you can play an important role in ensuring you and your coworkers feel comfortable in the workplace.

What is workplace mobbing or bullying?

Workplace mobbing is the repeated, psychological mistreatment of one or more people by one or more people. This includes abusive actions such as sabotage, work interference, intimidation, humiliation, isolation, insults, threats, and more. 

The difference between bullying and mobbing is the number of people involved. If it is just one person, it normally refers to bullying. When it is more than one, the term mobbing is typically used, and once it starts, more people tend to start joining the mob. 

Mobbing can create a negative work environment and should be reported to the proper person or people when observed. Workplace bullying or mobbing is typically a fireable offense in any job, and there will often be an investigation into the allegations. Legally, there must be proof of mobbing or bullying at work. This could mean not only interviewing mobbing targets but those who carried it out as well. If you’re being targeted by workplace mobbing, it can be important to obtain evidence as proof of your mistreatment. 

Report the mobbing

If you are experiencing bullying, workplace aggression, harassment on the job, or any other kind of mistreatment at work, it can be important to report it right away. Allowing it to continue can create a workplace culture where it becomes okay for employees and/or employers to act this way. Anytime more than one person at your workplace is picking on you in some way that makes you uncomfortable, they are making it difficult (if not impossible) for you to work. When nothing is done to stop the behavior, it can actually devolve into workplace violence. Workplace mobbing that costs you your livelihood and your way to support your loved ones could be considered a crime. 

Workplace mobbing and the law

Once you get human relations involved, it may seem like nothing is being done. In many cases, they’ll take your report and send you back to work. However, your manager should speak with the individuals who are bullying you right away. They may have a meeting with all of you together or separately, and you can try to get other witnesses to come forward. Other coworkers may be afraid to say anything because they do not want to become mobbing targets themselves. However, any evidence or proof you can provide can be helpful to your case. If the building has cameras, consider having them checked for evidence. 

Getting some proof

If those you reported the mobbing to cannot find evidence, try getting the proof yourself. If you are allowed to have your cell phone at work, try to set it to record anytime the mob comes near you. You may even be able to get proof of them harassing someone else since bullies can have several different targets. Once you get some proof and your employer has become aware of it, they should take action to put the mobbing to an end. If they do not, you can file a lawsuit that may force them to take action. However, remember to keep your safety in mind by doing it discreetly so that you do not put yourself or anyone else in danger. Workplace mobbing can go from verbal abuse to physical abuse quickly and you against a mob of people typically won’t turn out well.

Signs of workplace mobbing

Even if you’re not the target of workplace mobbing, one or several of your coworkers may be. You might see your coworkers picking on others, causing many to leave their jobs due to the stress and poor work environment. You may be afraid to say anything out of fear that the bullying could be turned toward you. However, it can be important to stand up for someone who needs it, even if it is through being a witness or offering a shoulder to cry on. Victims of mobbing need to know that there is someone on their side. 

Workplace bullies can be cunning and slick, acting nice and normal when managers or other upper-level employees are around. In fact, you may not even see it happen yourself. Maybe you suspect that your work friend is getting bullied because they are afraid to be alone at work or are thinking of quitting their job. Here are some signs to help you identify workplace mobbing:

• Your coworker does not stay around during break times or lunch, preferring to sit in their car or even skip their breaks to stay away from others at work.
• You hear people talking about how your coworker is afraid of certain other employees.
• Your coworker expresses being afraid of certain coworkers.
• Other coworkers who enjoyed their jobs have quit without giving a reason.
• Rumors and lies are going around about your friend that you know are false.
• You notice that your coworker does not attend any social functions at or outside of work.
• Your coworker seems anxious or nervous around certain people.

If you think that your coworker is being bullied, talk to them about it. Ask them questions and encourage them to tell someone who can help. If they’re afraid, offer your support.  You can go with them when they report the issue and act as a witness. While you should never make up lies to help your friend, you should let management or HR know that you noticed certain things that made you suspicious in the first place. If your coworker refuses to report the mobbing, you can continue to encourage them to seek help but cannot force them to do so.

Coping with the effects of workplace mobbing

Workplace mobbing can have harmful mental health effects on a person exposed to this type of behavior. Even after the mistreatment ends, the results of mobbing can linger on. Some common issues that can occur after workplace mobbing include: 

Depression

Some people who are bullied develop depression. You may feel sad or hopeless and afraid all the time. Maybe you feel safe at home but are scared to go to work, even when the threat is gone. You may feel embarrassed or guilty, thinking that you should have been able to stand up to those who were targeting you. You may even blame yourself, thinking that the bullies chose to target you because there is something wrong with you. Depression is a serious mental health disorder, and it can be crucial to speak to someone if you have any of these symptoms:

• Lack of interest in activities you typically enjoy
• Sadness that lasts over two weeks
• Chronic fatigue
• Sleeping more or less than usual
• Eating more or less than usual
• Isolating yourself
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Anxiety

Being anxious about going to work when you are being bullied is normal. What if you are still too stressed out to go back to work even after the bullies are gone? Or what if you got a different job, but now you are stressed out thinking it may happen again? Anxiety is a common mental health disorder caused by situations such as this, and it can take over your life without treatment. Common symptoms of anxiety can include sweaty palms, panic attacks, a racing heartbeat, stomach aches, racing thoughts, and more. If you feel anxious or afraid to go to work after being a target of workplace mobbing, try talking to a mental health professional to get support.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

When you experience a traumatic incident, even if it only happens one time, you can end up developing PTSD. Workplace mobbing usually happens more than once, so the chances of you having PTSD afterward may be more likely. Verbal and emotional abuse are two of the most common triggers of PTSD. Here are some symptoms to look for:

• Nightmares
• Insomnia
• Guilt
• Flashbacks during the day
• Isolating yourself
• Constantly nervous or stressed out
• Difficulty concentrating
• Trouble making decisions
• Always on edge
• Avoiding places and people that remind you of the incident
• Hopelessness
• Panic attacks (rapid heartbeat, racing thoughts, chest pain, dizziness, feeling like something bad is going to happen)

Online counseling with Regain

If you have experienced workplace mobbing or any other form of harassment, you may still be coping with the effects. Talking about your past with a professional can help you start to heal. Regain offers counseling from the comfort and security of your own home. You can speak with your therapist through video chats, phone calls, or in-app messaging. Whether you’re struggling with symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, or have some other concern, you can match with a therapist who has experience in that area. Your past does not have to define your future; a therapist can help you start on a new journey. 

The effectiveness of online counseling 

Online counseling can be an effective treatment method for those impacted by posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Each of these can develop after someone has been exposed to workplace mobbing or other types of harassment. In one study, researchers found that an internet-based counseling intervention reduced the severity of PTSD symptoms, anxiety, and depression. Further, participants were able to establish a close alliance with their therapist, which improved the outcomes that were observed.

Takeaway

Workplace mobbing is a harmful form of harassment that can have negative mental health outcomes if left unaddressed. If you are experiencing workplace mobbing, it can be important to reach out for help. A therapist can guide you toward helpful resources and teach you how to stand up for yourself with confidence and assertiveness. You deserve healthy relationships with other people whether it’s at work, at home, or in your personal life. Reach out to Regain whenever you feel ready to get support.