Page 75 - KNJIGA SAŽETAKA

INOVACIJE I IZAZOVI U OBRAZOVANJU I SESTRINSKOJ SKRBI - KNJIGA SAŽETAKA

The Impact of Workplace Mobbing on Mental Health,

Work Efficiency, and Overall Well-being of Employees
and Society

Workplace mobbing, or systematic psychological harassment, has profound and enduring
effects on employees' mental health. Victims of mobbing often experience high levels of stress,
anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which severely impair their
work capacity and reduce productivity. These effects lead to increased absenteeism, additional
burdens on colleagues, and long-term health issues. Social costs rise due to the need for medical
treatment and the strain on the healthcare system. Inadequate organizational responses can also
erode trust and cohesion within the community.

Mobbing is defined as prolonged psychological, emotional, or physical abuse, including
mockery, belittling, ignoring, and threatening, aimed at destabilizing and humiliating the
victim. The term "mobbing" comes from the English words "mob" and "to mob," signifying
group attacks and hostile behavior. Pioneering research by Heinz Leymann has significantly
contributed to understanding mobbing as systematic abuse that threatens the dignity and
integrity of the victim.

In contemporary society, causes of mobbing include changes in the work environment,
dysfunctional organizational structures, and psychosocial factors. Technological advancements
and market challenges can create tensions among employees, while poor work practices and
lack of communication foster toxic environments. Psychosocial factors such as stress and job
insecurity can also increase the risk of mobbing.

Mobbing can be classified into several forms: downward mobbing (from superiors to
subordinates), upward mobbing (from subordinates to superiors), and horizontal mobbing
(among colleagues at the same hierarchical level). Each form uses specific tactics, attacking
different aspects of the victim’s life, including their ability to express themselves, social
contacts, reputation, mental state, and personal life.

The consequences of mobbing are severe and far-reaching. Victims’ mental health is often
significantly impacted, leading to disorders such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Physical
consequences include headaches, digestive issues, and cardiovascular diseases. Professional
consequences include reduced productivity and motivation, which can negatively affect
victims’ careers. At the organizational level, mobbing can lead to decreased efficiency,
increased absenteeism costs, and reduced work productivity. On a societal level, mobbing
increases healthcare expenditures and affects economic stability.

In conclusion, workplace mobbing represents a serious issue that requires proactive action from
all stakeholders. Organizations need to implement preventive measures, provide support to
victims, and develop policies that ensure the safety and dignity of all employees. Only through
collective efforts can we create healthier work environments and improve societal well-being.

Key words: mobbing, mental health, work efficiency, stress, organizational culture

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