When the skilled risk turns into ethical harassment | EUROtoday

On Jun 12, 2025

Get real time updates directly on you device, subscribe now.

Lhe trials of three former Ubisoft executives, notably accused of ethical harassment, ended, in Bobigny, on June 5 and the judgment is anticipated for July 2. A information that illustrates the query of ethical harassment at work. It “manifests itself by repeated actions which have the object or effect a degradation of the working conditions likely to infringe the human rights of the employee at work and his dignity, to alter his physical or mental health or to compromise his professional future”.

A phenomenon that’s the one which results in probably the most severe repercussions on people, to a lesser extent on establishments. This topic is more and more acknowledged in organizational circles. One of its kinds has not been studied independently and in -depth: the specter of destroying the skilled profession of others.

Through a qualitative research of 26 interviews with workers, from the general public or non-public sector, in Canada, in France, within the United States, in Germany, within the United Kingdom, Lebanon, Egypt and Iraq, we try to elucidate the mechanism of this phenomenon. With what conclusions to attract? What variations between developed and growing nations? For what suggestions?

Unhealthy skilled environments

This ethical harassment relies on the usage of authority or affect to inflict psychological injury. The goal? Emotionally manipulate by threatening to destroy the profession of others, or to actually hurt the sufferer’s skilled future. In 2024, the figures for the nationwide barometer of harassment at work have been edifying: 35 % of workers declared that they’ve already been victims of harassment at work. Certain classes of belongings are significantly affected, specifically these underneath 35 (43 %), ladies (38 %), even when males are removed from spared (31 %).

This poisonous habits is usually motivated by private conflicts, worry of competitors, narcissistic management, jealousy, stigma or discrimination, as evidenced by an worker interviewed: “Simply because of my political opinions, I was clearly made to understand that if I did not aligning myself with certain views, my future in the company would be compromised. It is a form of insidious harassment, where freedom of expression is stifled on the pretext of maintaining a “certain line”. »»

Read too These employees who suffer in silence … despite a job they loveThe origins of this type of harassment reside in unhealthy professional environments, where the rules are ambiguous and the relationships are tense: “This fixed strain, related to threats, made me understand how harassment can present itself in workspaces the place communication and confidence are missing”, adds the employee.

This ambiguity of management can create a climate where employees remain uncertain about expectations for them, generating tensions, errors and even conflicts. This type of intimidation is often exercised in the form of psychological pressures, emotional manipulation or veiled threats. The dissemination of malicious rumors is one of the most common tools. It aims to tarnish the reputation of the victim and to sow doubt about his credibility. Saborating key projects or withdrawing important opportunities is another tactic, thus depriving the victim of the means to demonstrate his skills.

“I quickly understood that some remarks and behaviors were subtle threats against my career. It is an insidious form of pressure that creates a climate of fear and submission, ”says the employee.

Social marginalization

Professional evaluations biased or handled can artificially degrade the perceived performance of the targeted person. They distort the perception of the employee’s skills and real contributions, negatively impacting their professional trajectory. Explicit or implicit threats to dismiss or reduce professional advantages are frequently used to instill fear. These methods are often supplemented by social marginalization, aimed at isolating the victim of his colleagues.

Together, these tactics create a toxic atmosphere that undermines confidence and blocks any professional development. The victim’s greatest concern remains the threat of tarnishing his reputation after leaving his work, especially with potential employers: “During the assembly throughout which my employers advised me that I used to be going to be dismissed, with none proof, I advised them about organizations the place I work half -time. The head, utterly narcissistic, instantly took the pen and started to write down the names of the organizations with a diabolical smile on the face, in an obvious try to threaten me to contact them to discredit me. »»

Read too “Burn-out”: a phrase that has develop into a catch-all, to the detriment of actual sufferersOr even transcend the skilled injury … within the non-public sphere. Harassment at work can result in judicial threats. “When they failed to provide proof proof that I had violated the work rules, they suddenly informed me that a lady complained of me, saying that I had terrified her by talking to him,” provides the worker involved. Which is completely false. Then they slyly insinuated the opportunity of going to court docket. Although I’m 100 %harmless, seem earlier than the courts for false accusations towards me might really result in an unfair authorized choice in direction of me. This is why I selected to stay silent. I ended saying that I used to be the sufferer of injustice. »»

The penalties of the specter of profession destruction are severe and a number of, affecting each the sufferer and the group. On a psychological degree, the sufferer undergoes intense stress, lack of self -confidence, and typically even emotional issues, comparable to nervousness or despair.

Consequences for the employee … and the corporate

Professionally, this strain can lead to a slowdown in profession development, even a compelled or voluntary departure from the place, and even injury to the skilled future. For the group, these behaviors result in a lower in total productiveness, a rise in turnover and a problem in remembering or attracting skills; Which harms its fame and its efficiency. “They followed my LinkedIn page to find out where I will work, to ruin my career. They are really cruel. I did not make any mistakes. The problem is that I disagree with them on political and religious opinions. »»

The consequences for employees in developed countries-in Canada, France, the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom-are generally less severe than in developing countries-in Lebanon, Egypt and Iraq. Due to more robust social and economic systems, workers in developed countries can benefit from unemployment benefits and support networks to help them overcome dismissal at work, for example.

The victim’s reactions vary according to his personality, his support network and social and professional circumstances. Some may adopt direct confrontation strategies, while others prefer avoidance or submission. “I have never kept silent. I confronted him and told him that it was a threat and an attempted manipulation that I would not accept, ”explains the worker.

Read too In psychological sickness, how work helps and weakens eachThe variations between developed and developed nations are a number of. Using justice in developed nations is safer and simple if an worker is uncovered to sick -treatment at work. Some workers can rework the risk into a chance by in search of higher jobs or by changing into entrepreneurs.

Organizational circumstances, comparable to enterprise tradition and battle administration insurance policies, additionally play a vital function in the way in which the sufferer reacts and adapts to this type of harassment. To eradicate this type of harassment, organizations should set up a tradition of respect and collaboration, arrange clear insurance policies towards harassment and suggest safe reporting channels for workers.

To uncover

The kangaroo of the day

Answer

Our research attracts some suggestions for the sufferer: keep calm, assess the state of affairs, doc all the pieces, talk, search for help, contemplate authorized motion, focus in your work, observe actions that aid you handle stress and plan your future.

Michel Naim, trainer researcher of administration, EBS Paris

https://www.lepoint.fr/societe/quand-la-menace-professionnelle-devient-harcelement-moral-12-06-2025-2591897_23.php