Workplace Bullying: Not Just a Conflict

The familiar image of bullying is often associated with school hallways. However, as reality shows, destructive behavior patterns sometimes infiltrate the professional environment.

Psychologist Aygul Maratkanova helped to deepen understanding of the mechanisms of this phenomenon.

— Aygul, what is workplace bullying?

— It is important to understand that workplace bullying is not just a conflict. It can have devastating consequences for mental health, provoking stress, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and even post-traumatic stress disorder.

In essence, workplace bullying is similar to school bullying — it is the persecution of one person by a group or individual colleagues. It is important to understand that a single insult is not bullying. It is always systematic, dignity-humiliating persecution.

Aggressors create a toxic atmosphere that negatively affects the mental and physical health of the victim, reducing their productivity and motivation.

— How can these attacks and pressure manifest? Can you give examples?

— These can be comments disguised as «jokes» from colleagues, after which an unpleasant aftertaste remains, or constant ignoring in the work chat and at meetings, gossip behind your back, constant whispering about you, unwarranted criticism, nitpicking, or shifting of responsibility.

Bullying can take various forms, affecting gender, nationality, age, and appearance. It manifests in verbal and physical attacks, repeated and lasting for a long time.

Corporate culture in this case acts as protection: if the company has an approved policy, you can refer to it and contact HR or management.

— Who is most susceptible to workplace bullying? Is there a general profile?

— Absolutely any person can become a victim of bullying. The aggressor«s choice is almost never related to the victim»s shortcomings; it is related to the availability of the target and impunity.

From a psychological safety perspective, there is no general profile of an «ideal victim». Bullying can start against anyone. However, aggressors more often choose those who, for some reason, cannot fight back at the moment. This may be:

a newcomer who has not yet integrated into the network of relationships;

an employee in a crisis situation (on maternity leave, after illness, experiencing loss);

a person with high empathy who tries to resolve the conflict peacefully for a long time, taking blows upon themselves (this is perceived by the aggressor as weakness);

and conversely — a highly professional specialist whose success provokes envy and a desire to «put them in their place».

But the key criterion is one: bullying happens not because of the victim«s characteristics, but because of the aggressor»s impunity and the inaction of the environment (management and colleagues).

— Does bullying only occur among colleagues, or can it also come from management?

— Undoubtedly, bullying by a manager is not uncommon. And this is the most difficult scenario. Because if you are bullied by colleagues, you still have a chance to appeal to higher management or HR. When the aggressor is your direct supervisor, that authority disappears, and there is practically no one to complain to.

In such a situation, switch to a recording mode. Keep a personal diary (on paper or in a secure cloud) and record each date, time, phrase, and your boss«s reaction with maximum accuracy. Do this only for yourself — as a way to gather evidence. This will help you maintain clarity of thought and, if necessary, contact the labor inspectorate or court.

Often a bullying victim cannot leave because it is objectively a «golden cage»: high salary, prestigious status, bonuses. They endure their boss«s mood swings, humiliating »carpet calls«, and sharp transitions from shouting to false benevolence.

In this case, it is important to take two steps.

The first — honestly weigh. Write down all the pros and cons on paper. And accept your choice: if you decide to stay, then you are doing it consciously, for the sake of money or status. This does not make you weak or spineless; it is your adult compromise with reality.

The second — create an «island of safety» outside of work. To compensate for the tension, you critically need an environment where you are loved and accepted without conditions: family, hobbies, a community of like-minded people, or regular work with a psychologist. This is your resource that will not allow your psyche to be destroyed while you are in a toxic environment by your conscious decision.

— Aygul, what should an employee do if they encounter workplace bullying?

— If you have tried all methods of protection and the bullying does not stop, perhaps the most sensible decision would be to change jobs. This is not a defeat. This is your self-care when the environment turned out to be stronger than your resources.

Start acting gradually so as not to create additional stress: update your resume and explore the market through trusted platforms. An excellent choice would be the new service Raberu — it has no outdated database, and all vacancies are exclusively current and fresh.

The main thing — always check reviews about employers. Do this at a calm pace, without panic, as a parallel process.

Leave without guilt. Believe me: no level of income, status, or bonuses can compensate for loss of sleep, anxiety, and ruined health. You have the right to a safe environment, and searching for a new place is a manifestation of strength, not weakness.