Workplace mobbing refers to a group of individuals repeatedly targeting a co-worker. This can involve behavior such as harassment, bullying, and deliberate isolation.

Mobbing at work commonly occurs through emotional abuse and harassment, which can create a hostile work environment. It is typically done to isolate an individual and, in extreme cases, may result in them leaving their role.

Learn more about how you can recognize the signs of workplace mobbing, how you can tackle this issue, and where you can find support.

Workplace mobbing can often be direct and obvious. But in some cases, the signs may be subtle and done in a way that only the individual can see what is happening.

The main instigator, or “ringleader,” may be a manager, someone more senior, or another colleague.

Signs of mobbing in the workplace include:

  • being isolated, ignored, or excluded from work events
  • experiencing regular critique for your job performance
  • intentionally not being informed about deadlines or tasks
  • having harmful rumors spread about you
  • being harassed, such as having derogatory comments directed at you
  • intentionally being given a heavier workload than peers

Workplace mobbing can take on several different forms.

Common types include:

Social mobbing

Social mobbing refers to actions that negatively affect someone’s sense of belonging or damage their reputation or relationships with others. In a workplace, this may include ignoring them or leaving them out of social work gatherings.

It can also involve spreading harmful rumors or gossip. In extreme cases, this can prevent them from advancing in their career.

Physical mobbing

Physical mobbing in the workplace may look like someone making unwanted and uninvited physical contact with either you or your property.

This may include brushing past you with force, intimidating you into a corner, or destroying your property.

It can also include sexual harassment, which involves any unwanted behavior of a sexual nature.

Verbal mobbing

Verbal mobbing refers to any type of verbal abuse made to or about you. It can include hurtful or offensive remarks either directed to you or made to another colleague about you.

In some cases, verbal abuse may involve targeting your identity, such as misogynistic or racist comments.

Virtual mobbing

Virtual mobbing, also known as cyberbullying, is a lesser-known form of harassment that can involve sending hateful, aggressive, or intimidating messages or emails. It can also take place during meetings or phone calls.

Mobbing or bullying in the workplace can have a serious effect on your health. While some people may choose to leave their role due to the harassment, not everybody will be able to do this. This can greatly affect your mental health and may lead you to feel powerless in your own life.

Physical health effects of mobbing

Workplace mobbing or bullying can lead to physical effects, such as:

  • neck pain
  • musculoskeletal complaints
  • increased risk of cardiovascular disease

Mental health effects of mobbing

It can also affect your mental health and lead to:

  • anxiety
  • depression
  • lower self-confidence
  • work-related stress or burnout

Those with a preexisting health condition who are experiencing workplace mobbing may find that their symptoms worsen.

If you are experiencing workplace mobbing, you can take action in several ways, including:

  • Talk with the bully: If it is safe to do so, consider speaking with the bully and discussing how their behavior is affecting you. Try to stay calm when speaking with them. If needed, consider taking another colleague with you for support.
  • Document the mobbing: It is important to document any harassment you are experiencing. A simple way to do this is to keep a diary and log the details of the incident (including other colleagues who were present), as well as the time and date it occurred.
  • Report any harassment: If you are experiencing harassment, consider making a formal complaint by following your employer’s grievance procedure.

If you are experiencing workplace harassment and don’t feel as though you can report it at work or your concerns are not being taken seriously, consider contacting your union (if you belong to one). They can offer advice on the next steps and can also be a great support option.

Workplace mobbing refers to a group of individuals repeatedly targeting a co-worker. It can often be direct and obvious. However, in some cases, the signs may be subtle and done in a way that only the individual can see.

If you are experiencing workplace mobbing, you can take action in several ways, such as making a formal complaint or contacting your union (if you have one).

Remember, your employer has a responsibility to support you and ensure you have a safe environment to work in.