Mobbing: what it means and how to understand if you are a victim
Mobbing is an English word that has entered the common language to define a series of aggressive and incorrect behaviors towards a worker. The victims fall into a state of "psychological terror" which can have serious consequences on their psycho-physical health. In this article we analyze the different declinations of this phenomenon and the possible solutions. Meanwhile, start taking care of your well-being by practicing the mindfulness exercises you find in the video.
What is bullying
Mobbing (or mobbing) is an English term that derives from the verb to mob, that is to harass, harass, and is a definition entered in the common sense to designate a set of aggressive, intimidating and humiliating behaviors and practices that are addressed to a worker in the workplace. The word mobbing, although it is mainly used in the field of work psychology, can also include other sectors, including the family one.
The expression was coined by the ethologist Konrad Lorenz in reference to groups of animals that prevailed on their fellow men, but then the definition was taken up by the doctor Paul Heinemann who associated it with bullying. Finally, it was used by the Swedish psychologist Heinz Leymann who, in the 1980s, related it to the professional sphere, describing it as "a hostile, unethical communication, directed in a systematic way by one or more individuals, generally against a single individual. "
What does it mean to be a victim of mobbing
Mobbing is a real psychological violence (which in rare serious cases can also degenerate into a "physical aggression) against a subject who is in a condition of mental subjection. Often it is carried out deliberately by one or more individuals . In most cases, the ways in which bullying is expressed are:
- harassment
- marginalization
- job demotion
- humiliations
- verbal insults and assaults
- the assignment of an exaggerated amount of tasks
- isolation from colleagues
- unsuitable transfers
- exclusion from some positions
- the refusal to grant leave or holidays
These are just some of the ways that can harm the worker and often, unfortunately, bullying is not reported for fear of possible retaliation.
The objective of the mobbing person is to induce the victim to leave spontaneously in the throes of a strong sense of guilt and a situation of great mental stress: for this purpose, in fact, a series of pressures are put in place. makes one responsible for bullying is a superior, generally speaking of bossing, or vertical bullying.
The various types of bullying
When bullying is expressed in a school context it takes the name of bullying, while in the armed forces of hazing, however it can also occur in the family environment. In the workplace it is generally divided between:
- Side mobbing. It occurs when the colleagues of a mobbed worker instead of taking his defense join forces with the boss.
- Bossing, or vertical (hierarchical) bullying. In this case it is the boss (or in any case a superior) who harasses a worker by taking advantage of his privileged position.
- Peer mobbing, or horizontal mobbing. When it is colleagues who bully, isolate and ostracize a person and act as a pack.
- Bottom mobbing. The victim is used as a scapegoat and is subject to heavy unjustified recriminations.
- Strategic mobbing. When the assaults are aimed at getting a worker fired to hire another in his place.
The subject of professional bullying was introduced in Italy by the psychologist Harald Ege, who was the first to develop a method based on the recognition of vexatious practices in the workplace, the so-called "Ege Method" in seven points.
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The consequences of bullying on health
Bullying can have serious repercussions on people's health. Those who suffer from it experience a situation of strong psychological pressure that can also lead to a real post-traumatic stress disorder. Symptoms in general are:
- Insomnia and sleep disturbances
- Panic attacks and severe anxiety
- Tremors, throbbing, excessive sweating
- Neurosis
- Headaches
- Gastro-intestinal disorders
- Respiratory difficulties
- Depression
- Dermatitis and psychosomatic disorders
In Italy, bullying is a social phenomenon that often has dramatic consequences. Even the Ministry of the Interior was accused of having violated Article 2087 of our Civil Code for having caused such serious damage to one of its employees that he died as a result of the disease that arose in relation to bullying.
The legislation on bullying
Although there is no real law against bullying, the protection of the worker against any possible denigrating behavior is contained in "art. 2087 of the Civil Code. This article obliges the employer to guarantee a" professional occupation that takes place safely . In this sense, the victims of mobbing can sue the company with legal actions aimed at proving the violation of the rules on the employment contract.
With a 2015 ruling, the Court of Cassation officially recognized the presence of seven specific parameters in the presence of which we can speak of mobbing. They are:
- the continuation of systematic harassment in the workplace
- the repetition and multiplicity of these mortifying behaviors
- the condition of isolation and frustration of the worker
- frequent relocations and demotion
- a condition of evident disparity between the mobbed and the exploiter
- the presence of consequences on the health of the worker such as psychosomatic manifestations, anxiety or depressive states
- premeditated aggressive behaviors
The consequences of bullying on society
The phenomenon of mobbing, which in Italy has a very worrying social relevance, has heavy repercussions not only on the company, but also on the whole society. victim, while this will no longer be able to carry out its duties. Numerous studies have shown that the decrease in efficiency reaches even 80%.
Furthermore, often the person who is the victim of bullying tends to be absent for health reasons, with economic consequences as someone else will have to be hired to complete his tasks. Another aspect to consider are the consequences on society: the more the mobbing, the more disabled, pre-retired or individuals dependent on the National Health Service increase.
The difference between mobbing and straining
The term straining refers to the "exaggeration of certain stressful behaviors to the detriment of workers. It is a repeated situation of psychological pressure that produces damage to the quality of life of those who suffer it. To be defined straining, these aggressive and abusive behaviors do not they must be isolated episodes, but must last for a certain period of time. Knowing the difference between bullying and straining is important because often the lawsuits brought against the company considered responsible for bullying are resolved to the detriment of the victim as the judge does not ascertain the presence of all those requisites necessary to ascertain it.
Straining can be defined as a condition halfway between bullying and severe work stress, however the damage and consequences it causes on workers' self-esteem is considerable. It is therefore also possible to take legal action to protect yourself from straining. , but you always have to be able to prove it.
What to do if you are a victim of bullying
If you believe you are a victim of mobbing, the law provides different methods but all are based on initiating legal action against the employer or on people who cause damage to their safety. If the judge ascertains the presence of harassment and psychological damage, then you will be entitled to moral and economic compensation.
You can contact the organizations for the protection of workers and, in the worst case scenario, proceed to resign for just cause.
In order for the law to recognize the veracity of our allegations, however, we need to bring supporting evidence. The way to do this is not that simple, as it is necessary to bring significant evidence as well as testimonials. It is therefore generally recommended to keep track of all exchanges of emails or phone calls.
