Workplace bullying refers to repeated, long-term, and deliberate behaviour aimed at humiliating, isolating, or psychologically harming an employee. It can take many forms — from being ignored or insulted, to verbal abuse, intimidation, psychological pressure, or even physical violence.
Bullying in the workplace can seriously damage relationships between colleagues and disrupt the overall working environment. It may also have a lasting impact on the victim’s physical and mental well-being.
Foreign workers can be especially vulnerable. Language barriers, unfamiliar working practices, and uncertainty around legal status can all contribute to feelings of isolation and helplessness.
In this article, we’ll outline the different forms of workplace bullying and offer guidance on how to recognise it and protect yourself.
The main forms of workplace bullying include:
- Mobbing – This refers to bullying carried out by a group of colleagues, where there is no superior-subordinate relationship. It may involve spreading rumours, social exclusion, unjustified criticism of your work, or deliberately making it difficult for you to do your job
- Bossing – This type of bullying comes from a person in a position of authority, such as a manager or supervisor, directed at someone in a lower position. It can take the form of unfair treatment, unequal pay, threats, unreasonable demands, withholding pay or benefits, or threatening dismissal.
- Sexual Harassment – This involves behaviour that creates a humiliating, hostile, or intimidating environment. It can include inappropriate comments or suggestions, unwanted physical contact, or coercion through sexual advances — for example, offering benefits in exchange for sexual favours or threatening negative consequences for refusing.
- Cyberbullying – This form of bullying occurs in the online environment, such as through social media, emails, or other digital communication channels. It may involve insults, threats, intimidation, the spreading of false information, or the unauthorised sharing of private or sensitive data, all with the intent to harm, humiliate, or control the victim.
What to Do If You Think You Are Being Bullied
Being bullied at work can feel deeply upsetting and humiliating. While it may be difficult to speak up, it’s important not to remain silent and to take steps to protect yourself.
Before raising the issue at work, consider confiding in someone you trust — a friend, family member, or support organisation — to help you build confidence and describe the situation clearly.
At work, your first step should be to speak to your immediate supervisor. Explain what has happened, how it made you feel, and why you believe it is unacceptable. If no action is taken, or if the person bullying you is your supervisor, you should contact your Human Resources (HR) department.
If the problem persists, you can turn to external organisations for help:
- The Labour Inspectorate (Inšpektorát práce) is responsible for checking that employers are complying with Slovak labour laws.
- The Slovak National Centre for Human Rights (Slovenské národné stredisko pre ľudské práva) offers legal advice and support to employees who have experienced discrimination or harassment.
It’s important to remember that everyone has the right to protection from bullying, regardless of nationality. Bullying has no place in a healthy workplace.
If you are a foreign worker and find yourself in such a situation, don’t hesitate to seek help. Your nationality, language, or position are never acceptable reasons for anyone to subject you to humiliation or undue pressure.
This article was produced as part of the Pathways initiative supported by UNICEF. For more information about the project, please visit UNICEF’s digital one–stop-shop: https://akodobrezesi.sk/ua/
