Why does workplace mobbing happen?

[Anonymous]

I am struggling to understand the psychology behind people/coworkers who make it their lifetime mission to push a worker out the workplace for no reason whatsoever. Like this person is a hard worker with good work ethic and has done nothing wrong, yet certain people in the workplace sabotage that person and make it their mission to eliminate that person from the workplace for good. Usually it’s a group effort and it is done very insidiously

Why does this happen to hard workers? What motivates them to use tactics to push someone out the workplace?

[Oliverlogan263]

Workplace mobbing is really messed up. Those kinds of people usually have some issues of their own going on. A few thoughts on why it may happen:

- Jealousy/insecurity - They might feel threatened by someone who's talented/competent and want to take them down a peg.

- Power trip - Bullying someone gives them a sense of power/control over others when they're lacking it elsewhere in their life.

- Past trauma - Could be acting out abusive behaviors they experienced, continuing the cycle of abuse.

- Lack of empathy - Some folks just don't care how their actions affect others or take pleasure in causing harm. There may be a personality disorder.

- Strength in numbers - Ganging up on one person is intimidating/easier than bullying individually. Peer pressure plays a role.

It really sucks being on the receiving end of that. The best thing is to document everything secretly and get as much support as possible from coworkers who have your back. Consider reporting it if it gets bad. But don't ever let those mean girls/guys make you question your worth - the problem is 100% with THEM. Keep being awesome!

[DrPepper12]

Must have pissed off some of them or they're all petty juvinilles

[DishLady]

If you’re working at a place where they just don’t like you — you’re not fitting in with the company culture for whatever reason — the majority will make sure you feel uncomfortable enough that you ultimately quit. It’s a very common workplace tactic, usually subtle enough not to be reportable to HR.

[CupcakeTheDestroyer]

Maybe that “hard worker” is just a shitty person who makes everyone uncomfortable and that’s why everyone says they’re the reason they want to quit.