Cyndy Trivella, Managing Partner, TalentCulture.
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Workplace mobbing is a harmful phenomenon that affects countless individuals in organizations worldwide. Unlike traditional bullying, it involves the collective harassment and isolation of a targeted individual by a group of co-workers or superiors. This can have devastating effects on the target's mental and physical well-being, as well as on the overall productivity and harmony of the workplace.
In this article, I'll delve into the nature of workplace mobbing, its signs and consequences, prevention strategies and the steps to overcome a toxic environment.
Understanding Workplace Mobbing
The characteristics of workplace mobbing entails systematic, long-term and organized attacks against an individual aimed at demeaning, discrediting and ostracizing them. The offenders may use various tactics, including spreading rumors, withholding information, exclusion, verbal abuse and even physical intimidation. A recognizable pattern of isolation and strained interpersonal relationships among a group of colleagues can indicate mobbing behavior.
As a member of an online support community for women professionals, I recently saw someone ask for advice about a situation that greatly confused her. Her management colleague and their boss would partner up to demean her, whether she was alone or in the presence of other co-workers. She noted that their comments were often farfetched and rarely, if ever, pertinent to anything involved with her and her work. This went on for months, and none of the co-workers who observed this toxic behavior came to her defense. To those of us in the forum, all indications pointed to her being a victim of workplace mobbing.
Common Causes Of Workplace Mobbing
Various things can cause people to engage in workplace mobbing, but common factors include competitiveness and fear. In high-stakes work environments like sales, the fear of job insecurity can lead to mobbing behaviors so perpetrators can gain a perceived advantage over their target.
Roles historically filled by a singular demographic may be another cause. Group dynamics and conformity can play a major role in this. The bystander effect and lack of responsibility may lead others to join in the harassment for fear of this happening to them. Or they completely refrain from participating and prefer to be a bystander watching it play out.
Of course, bias is also a cause. With the woman from my community, it became abundantly clear to us that she was targeted because of her gender and race.
The Consequences Of Workplace Mobbing
Workplace mobbing can severely impact an individual's mental health, leading to increased stress, anxiety, depression and potentially worse outcomes. Productivity goes down, attention to detail can suffer, disengagement occurs and a lack of overall interest in one's employment can wane. This could lead to termination if the employer is unaware of the cause for the target's poor results, or the affronted individual may choose to leave the company. Additionally, one's professional reputation may be tarnished, affecting future job prospects.
In the case of the woman who posted in the community forum, she mentioned that while she didn't want to leave her high-paying job, she was seriously considering it. She was conflicted because she worked hard to get to where she was, and the financial stability she enjoyed was largely due to her job. While I don't know where she landed on a decision, I find it sad to think the situation had escalated to a place where she was contemplating a job move.
How HR Leaders Can Address Workplace Mobbing
Even with the best of intentions and efforts, mobbing can occur in any workplace. But, there are ways to combat a toxic work environment.
Acknowledge The Problem
First, leaders must recognize that the problem exists and needs to be remedied. In my work with job seekers and employees, though hearing bad news wasn't desirable, no communication was considered worse. Open communication creates an environment of trust and transparency. Reassure employees that there will be no repercussions to anyone who observes and reports an occurrence of mobbing.
This needs to be handled delicately, promptly and impartially until all facts are unearthed. So, when documenting mobbing incidents, be sure to include the individuals or group attackers, and note the dates, times, location, general or exact language used during the attack, the length of the encounter and whether there were witnesses. You will need this when reporting the situation to leadership.
It's also important to discuss various support options with the targets of workplace mobbing. For instance, you may want to connect them to mental health resources available to them through their benefits provider.
Have Leadership Commit To Addressing It
Leadership needs to step up and state the company's policy regarding any form of bullying and discrimination. Then, those in management must police this policy to ensure it stays in effect. During these moments, it's crucial to ensure everyone has a seat at the table and an opportunity to use their voices. After all, when the same people are dictating the workplace conditions, things won't change.
Educate Employees About Harassment
Everyone in the organization—not just those in management roles—must be trained on what constitutes an inclusive work environment. They need to understand the rules and, if they suspect they're a victim of mobbing or any form of bullying, what they need to do to find help.
Be Proactive During Recruitment
Of course, a key component to mitigating workplace mobbing is bringing on employees who commit to fostering an inclusive environment. During the hiring process, conduct thorough background checks and monitor for signs of any toxic behaviors during interviews. Listen for comments that could indicate potential problems with the interviewee if they were hired.
In Closing
Workplace mobbing is a destructive behavior that undermines the well-being of individuals and the health of organizations. By understanding the root causes, recognizing the signs and implementing preventive measures, we can strive to create more inclusive, supportive and healthier work environments for everyone. Overcoming workplace mobbing requires a collective effort to foster empathy, compassion and respect among colleagues, ultimately leading to a more productive and harmonious workplace.
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