Imagine this: Karen complains that Bob was late finishing his work, making her miss a deadline. Upset, Bob gathers a group of his coworkers to retaliate against Karen. Over the next month, they collectively exclude Karen from meetings, spread rumors about her, and warn new hires to avoid her.
This behavior is an example of workplace mobbing.
Workplace mobbing is a form of group bullying in which a group of people target a colleague with negative and hostile behavior. Mobbing can create a toxic or hostile work environment, not only for the victim but throughout the organization.
Mobbing Vs. One-On-One Harassment
Workplace mobbing and one-on-one harassment are both forms of bullying, but they differ in the number of perpetrators.
One-on-one harassment involves a single individual targeting another employee with negative or hostile behavior. This can include verbal abuse, threats, physical intimidation, or other forms of harassment.
Workplace mobbing, on the other hand, involves a group of people targeting a single employee. This can make it more difficult for the victim to report the behavior or to find support, as they may feel isolated and outnumbered.
In essence, while one-on-one harassment involves a single perpetrator, workplace mobbing is a more organized and systematic form of bullying that involves multiple individuals working together to target a single victim.
Consequences
According to a 2021 Workplace Bullying Institute survey, 30% of American workers have direct experience being bullied. When mobbing occurs, it can have serious consequences for the victim and the company as a whole.
Victims may experience anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder. Physical health can suffer, too, with headaches, insomnia, and digestive issues becoming common. Career prospects may dwindle as their work is sabotaged and their confidence plummets. Ultimately, mobbing creates a negative company culture, impacting morale, productivity, and employee turnover.
What it Looks Like
Workplace mobbing can manifest in various forms, including physical, social, and verbal.
Physical mobbing involves actions that directly harm or threaten the victim’s physical well-being. This can include pushing, shoving, tripping, or damaging the victim’s belongings. It can also involve creating a physically unsafe environment, such as blocking exits or making the workplace uncomfortable.
Social mobbing involves excluding the victim from social or work-related activities, such as meetings, lunch outings, or after-work events. It can also involve cyberbullying and spreading rumors or gossip about the victim or isolating them from their colleagues.
Verbal mobbing involves using words or language to harass or intimidate the victim. This can include name-calling, insults, gossiping, threats, false accusations, or making offensive or discriminatory remarks about the person.
The bullying can even become insidious, including gaslighting, threats of demotion or job loss, and sabotaging or undermining the victim’s work.
What To Do As a Manager
Creating a work environment that discourages mobbing is crucial. Companies need clear anti-harassment policies that define mobbing and bullying and the consequences for perpetrators. Training on bullying and conflict resolution empowers employees to recognize and report mobbing. Send a strong message that the company won’t tolerate mobbing or bullying; investigate complaints promptly and thoroughly, and take appropriate disciplinary action when necessary.
For victims of mobbing, support and resources are essential. Employers should offer confidential reporting mechanisms and access to professional help. Taking a stand against mobbing protects individuals and creates a healthier workplace for everyone.
