In recent years, bullying has become an increasingly discussed topic. Awareness campaigns, stories of children humiliated in the schoolyard or even in front of the class by teachers — all have brought to light the strongly negative effects of this phenomenon.
But I think it's time to also ask something else: What do we do about the bullying that no longer happens during recess, but in board meetings, in passive-aggressive emails, in humiliating jokes over coffee, or in missed promotions "because you're not visible enough"?
Because yes, bullying does not stop at the school gate. It transforms. It changes clothes, puts on a tie, makes PowerPoint presentations, and enters companies. And sometimes, it is even more dangerous — because it is harder to identify, easier to justify, and infinitely better camouflaged.
And those who live through it often carry it in silence. With a smile on their face and a knot in their stomach.
How do we recognize professional bullying?
Bullying in the workplace is not just shouting or direct insults. Most often, it is subtle, wrapped in ambiguity and easy for bystanders to overlook — but hard to forget for the one who lives through it.
- Intentional isolation of a colleague from discussions and decisions
- Repeatedly ridiculing a colleague's ideas in front of others
- Exclusion from projects without explanation
- Repeated passive-aggressive reactions
Most of the time, these behaviours come in small but constant doses. They don't wound through intensity, but through repetition and ambiguity.
The sources of this phenomenon lie in organizational cultures that tolerate it, leaders who don't set limits, and the fear of being pushed aside.
And yet, what can we do? The first thing that comes to mind is to develop leaders with relational intelligence. Not just good specialists, but people capable of managing team dynamics, different styles, and collective emotions.
Instead of a conclusion
Professional bullying is not an exception. Unfortunately, it is a frequently encountered but rarely recognized phenomenon. It doesn't look like a shout. Sometimes it looks like an ironic smile, a missed promotion, or a door subtly closed every day.
Alina Conu, Psychologist, Coach, Managing Partner Kapital HR
