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Mental Health Conditions

Workplace Bullying (Mobbing)

Mobbing is defined as hostile acts targeting one person at least weekly over six months - a measurable social stressor assessed in the GBU Psych.

Workplace bullying (Mobbing) refers to systematic and repeated harassment, exclusion or hostility toward a person. According to Leymann, mobbing exists when actions occur at least once weekly over at least six months.

Definition According to Leymann

Mobbing includes systematic hostile actions by:

  • Supervisors (bossing)
  • Colleagues
  • Subordinates (staffing)

Five Categories of Mobbing Actions

  1. Attacks on communication

    • Interrupting, yelling
    • Criticism of statements
    • Not letting speak

  2. Attacks on social relationships

    • Ignoring, exclusion
    • "Treating like air"
    • Isolation

  3. Attacks on reputation

    • Spreading rumors
    • Ridicule
    • Defamation

  4. Attacks on work quality

    • Meaningless/no tasks
    • Degrading tasks
    • Overload

  5. Attacks on health

    • Threats
    • Physical violence
    • Sexual harassment

Consequences of Mobbing

For affected individuals:

  • Mental disorders (depression, anxiety, PTSD)
  • Physical complaints
  • Performance decline
  • Incapacity for work

For companies:

  • High absenteeism
  • Turnover
  • Productivity loss
  • Reputational damage

Prevention

  • Clear anti-mobbing policies
  • Open communication culture
  • Management training
  • Contact points for affected individuals
  • Regular risk assessment

Related Search Terms

mobbingworkplace bullyingbossingharassmentworkplace conflict

Frequently Asked Questions

What is workplace bullying (Mobbing)?

Mobbing refers to systematic and repeated harassment, exclusion or hostility toward a person in the workplace - at least once weekly over at least six months.

What is the difference between mobbing and normal conflict?

Mobbing is characterized by systematic nature, duration (at least 6 months) and power imbalance. Normal conflicts are punctual and can be resolved.

What can companies do against mobbing?

Prevention measures include: anti-mobbing policies, training, contact points, open communication culture and regular risk assessments to identify risk factors.

Related Terms

Social Relationships

GDA

Social relationships are the third GDA characteristic area, evaluating leadership behavior, collegial cooperation, social support and conflict at work.

Psychological Stress

Occupational

Psychische Belastung is value-neutral (ISO 10075): it covers all external influences across work content, organization, social relations and work environment.