Consequences of mobbing in the workplace
Mobbing in the workplace is not uncommon and often has serious consequences for the victims. Bullying has a different dimension in adulthood than in school. The harassment that is practiced is usually more subtle, but more systematic and therefore more effective.
Through the employment relationship, perpetrator and victim are usually closely connected with each other, which also makes long-term bullying possible. Mobbing at the workplace from “top to bottom” takes place particularly frequently. Here the superiors are the perpetrators, who strain the subordinates.
The fact that mobbing is operated from “down to above” is very rare, but when it takes place it undermines especially the authority and the reputation of the leader. Consequences for the victims of bullying at work are health problems caused by emotional stress. At first there is a reluctance to pursue the profession and finally leads to complete demotivation.
The efficiency decreases, whereby mistakes are increasingly made or the required amount of work is no longer accomplished. This gives the perpetrators a new basis for mobbing attacks. For this reason, the victims often take sick leave for long periods of time, but this does not solve the problem.
Finally, it can happen that the mobbing victim sees no way out and leaves the workplace. At best, the victim is transferred to another job – the more frequent scenario, however, is a termination by the victim. In extreme cases Mobbing can lead thus to unemployment.
However, mobbing in the workplace can have consequences not only for the victims. The perpetrators can also expect legal consequences if a corresponding case can be proven. The boss or top management has the duty to strictly pursue and prevent mobbing among colleagues. If bullying is carried out from the top, it is more difficult for employees to take action against it. Nevertheless, there are legal ways and means to stop any actions or to leave the company without any disadvantages.
