Alarming Numbers: Over Half of Young Poles Face Workplace Bullying

Over the past six months, 53.1% of Poles aged 18-35 have experienced signs of mobbing at their workplace. In this group, most people mentioned yelling, insults, and profanities – 21.4%. These were mainly respondents earning over PLN 9,000 per month. On the other hand, the fewest indications referred to violence and physical bullying – 1.5%, as well as sexually oriented actions, exploitation, or receiving sexual propositions – 1.5%. Meanwhile, 22.2% of respondents had not had any experiences included in the survey. A total of 14.2% of respondents were not sure of this. The authors of the report warn that the data are staggering, as the result of an identical survey conducted among all adults and professionally active Poles oscillates around over 41%. The difference, therefore, is significant.

The authors of the report titled “Young Poles in the Grip of Mobbing” have prepared a list of 19 situations and problems associated with mobbing. Poles aged 18-35 were asked whether they had experienced any of the listed issues in their professional work over the past six months. 22.2% of respondents denied this. 8.1% couldn’t determine, and 6.1% couldn’t remember if they had such an experience. These conclusions come from a report by UCE RESEARCH and the ePsycholodzy.pl platform, based on a nationwide survey.

“The uncertainty expressed by respondents regarding the above issues suggests that the problem of mobbing is more common than the responses indicate. Respondents may avoid talking about their experiences due to a lack of awareness or denying the thought that this subject could directly affect them. The survey results are disturbing because they indicate difficulties in recognizing mobbing and the lack of appropriate support procedures in companies. An identical survey conducted at the beginning of the year showed that among adult and professionally active Poles this figure oscillates around over 41%. The difference is therefore significant,” says psychologist Michał Murgrabia, one of the co-authors of the survey from the ePsycholodzy.pl platform.

53.1% of survey participants experienced situations or problems from the list above. Among them, respondents most often indicated that they had been subjected to yelling, insults, and swearing. This was declared by 21.4% of respondents. According to the report’s authors, this result is highly alarming. It suggests that a toxic atmosphere prevails in many workplaces where such behaviors are accepted or ignored.

“The high percentage of respondents indicates the prevalence of verbal aggression in workplaces. It is one of the most easily recognized and most destructive forms of mobbing. It can lead to long-term health problems for victims, such as depression or burnout,” emphasizes an expert from the ePsycholodzy.pl platform.

The report also shows that more men than women have experienced yelling, swearing, and insults – 24.7% vs. 18.5%. Moreover, people with net monthly earnings above PLN 9,000 – 25% as well as those with primary or lower secondary education – 28.2%, report this most often. This mainly concerns inhabitants of towns with a population of 20,000 to 49,000 – 26.7%.

“The results indicate the need for an individualized approach to combating mobbing, taking into account the specific needs and conditions of different groups of workers, especially the youngest ones. For example, a higher percentage of men experiencing verbal aggression results from more aggressive communication norms in male-dominated environments. On the other hand, people with above-average incomes may be exposed to greater pressure in high-demand workplaces. This can fuel aggressive behaviors,” comments Michał Murgrabia.

As the report revealed, 15.5% of respondents were gossiped about at work and rumors were spread about them. 14.9% experienced verbal insults (e.g., in the form of vulgar nicknames or other humiliating expressions). 13.7% of respondents were assigned meaningless tasks. Meanwhile, 11.1% of survey participants were harassed (e.g., by phone, email, during work, and after hours).

“The above results are alarming, as they indicate the prevalence of various forms of mobbing, requiring immediate intervention and a change in team management approaches in many companies. Gossiping and spreading rumors, as well as verbal insults, can lead to the isolation and marginalization of the victim. Assigning meaningless tasks and harassment lower the efficiency and morale of workers, leading to frustration and burnout, as well as destructive effects both for the individual and the entire organization,” explains Michał Murgrabia.

Taking into account the positions from the list above, the fewest indications referred to violence and physical bullying – 1.5%; actions of a sexual nature, exploitation, or receiving sexual propositions – 1.5%. Also, 2% of the respondents experienced having their tasks previously assigned to them taken away. 3% were victims of intentional actions causing psychological harm at work or residence. 3% of the respondents were forced to perform tasks that violated their personal dignity.

“The low incidence of physical violence and actions of a sexual nature indicates that extremely unacceptable behaviors are relatively rare. This could result from greater social awareness concerning these forms of violence as well as the severe legal consequences they bring. Nevertheless, even a small percentage of instances of these serious violations is also worrying, as it suggests that individual cases exist that require immediate support and intervention,” concludes the report’s co-author.

Research Method Description

The “Young Poles in the Grip of Mobbing” report, by UCE RESEARCH and the ePsycholodzy.pl platform, was based on a survey conducted using the CAWI (Computer Assisted Web Interview). Over 800 Poles aged 18-35 participated in it.