The views expressed herein are solely those of the writer.
In the modern workplace, productivity, innovation, and collaboration are often championed as the cornerstones of a thriving organization. Yet beneath the surface of many professional environments, a silent and insidious problem continues to fester, workplace mobbing and bullying. These forms of psychological abuse not only erode the well-being of individuals but also have a ripple effect on teams, departments, and even an institution’s reputation among external stakeholders.
As someone who has experienced this firsthand, I can attest to the profound personal and professional toll it takes. Phrases such as “Stay away from him/her; she or he is not a nice person” may seem insignificant to some. But when repeated consistently, especially by colleagues and supervisors, they function as covert acts of social exclusion and character assassination. Over time, this behaviour creates a toxic culture where targeted employees are ostracized, discredited, and stripped of their dignity.
Understanding workplace mobbing and bullying:
Workplace mobbing differs from one-on-one bullying in that it often involves a group, formally or informally, targeting an individual. Tactics include gossip, false accusations, isolation, micromanagement, and the systematic undermining of one’s work. The goal is often to force the victim out, either by resignation or dismissal.
In my case, the whisper campaigns and subtle avoidance started small but grew in intensity. I was excluded from trainings, denied key information, maligned and often made to feel invisible. The emotional toll was staggering. I began to doubt my capabilities, dread going to work, and eventually suffered from anxiety, depression and burnout.
Impact on the individual:
The psychological consequences of mobbing are severe. Victims often report:
- Decreased self-esteem and confidence
- Chronic stress and anxiety
- Depression or burnout
- Loss of trust in professional relationships
- Career derailment
This emotional turmoil inevitably affects performance, attendance, and motivation. The once passionate, engaged employee becomes hesitant, and withdrawn.
Impact on internal stakeholders:
For colleagues and internal stakeholders, the presence of unchecked/unreprimanded bullying behaviour creates a climate of fear and or silence. Witnesses may be reluctant to speak up, fearing they could be next. Morale drops, team cohesion weakens, and trust in leadership erodes. Managers who ignore or perpetuate such behaviour damage their credibility and send a dangerous message: toxicity is tolerated here. This has long-term effects on recruitment, retention, and overall organizational health.
Impact on External Stakeholders:
The implications extend beyond office walls. Stakeholders interacting with a demoralized or dysfunctional team may notice lapses in communication, delays in service, or a drop in professionalism. Reputation, especially in small or tight-knit sectors, suffers. Potential employees may steer clear, and existing clients may quietly walk away.
What can be done:
Organizations must:
- Implement and enforce anti-bullying policies
- Create safe, confidential reporting systems
- Train managers to recognize and intervene in bullying/mobbing behaviour
- Promote a culture of respect, inclusion, and psychological safety
Victims need access to counselling, support networks, and legal recourse when necessary. Speaking up is difficult, especially when the mob is powerful but silence only feeds the cycle. Workplace mobbing is not just a “people problem”, it’s a systemic threat to organizational integrity and effectiveness. Until leadership takes a stand and individuals refuse to participate in or ignore harmful behaviours, the cycle will continue. For those of us who have lived through it, the scars are real. But with awareness, advocacy, and action, workplaces can become places of dignity, not despair.
By Phoenix
END
Opinion pieces can be sent to us at onenewsstvincent@gmail.com
The Editor recommends a maximum of 600-800 words per article.
One News SVG 