Mobbing is often met with silence, not because it doesn’t exist, but because people don’t know how to recognize it, how to respond, or that it’s not their fault.
What is mobbing, really?
Mobbing is a form of systematic, repeated psychological abuse in the workplace. It can come from managers, colleagues and sometimes even subordinates. The goal may be to push someone out, exhaust them or in some cases, it happens unconsciously but the consequences are just as real.
What does mobbing look like in practice?
- Constant, unfounded criticism
- Mocking or humiliating someone in front of others
- Ignoring or excluding them from communication
- Taking credit for their work
- Spreading rumors, planting doubt or fear
What happens in the body?
On a somatic level, the body stays in a state of chronic activation, stuck in “fight or flight” mode. The nervous system perceives danger. This leads to chronic stress, anxiety, loss of self-confidence and physical symptoms like headaches, digestive issues or insomnia.
The body speaks what the mind tries to suppress.
It’s important to remember that mobbing often starts with leadership, but it doesn’t end there. It spreads to colleagues too.
This secondary or group mobbing is common in toxic systems.
- People mimic the boss’s behavior to avoid becoming the next target
- They pretend not to notice, trying to stay “safe”
- They join in, believing it’s somehow “allowed”
In most cases, these are defensive strategies but they’re also signs that the system is deeply broken.
From a somatic and coaching perspective, here are a few steps to take:
- Reconnect with your body: breathe, feel the ground beneath you, move.
- Name it. It’s not “just a bad day”. It’s mobbing.
- Document everything- conversations, messages, dates.
- Seek support through coaching, therapy, HR or institutions that protect your rights.
- Set boundaries both verbally and physically.
Your body may already be asking for change.
Never forget: You have the right to work in a place where you’re respected and where you can grow.
