Workplace Bullying: Everyday Warfare at Work and the Cost of Compliance

Workplace bullying is a complex and harmful power struggle that echoes the dynamics of warfare. Just like a war initiated by an aggressive leader, workplace bullying often starts unilaterally and forces the victim to either accept harm or leave. The brutal Russian invasion of Ukraine illustrates this clearly: Russia started the conflict, holds the power to end it, yet demands Ukraine’s complete surrender—paralleling how bullies demand silence or resignation from their targets.

This article explores how unresolved conflicts, failed peace efforts, and conflict avoidance—common in war zones—also fuel toxic workplaces. Without enforceable consequences, aggressors thrive, and victims suffer psychological trauma similar to war survivors. Drawing on expert insights from psychology and workplace bullying research, it shows how organizations can learn from peacebuilding principles: fostering honest communication, enforcing accountability, and promoting emotional intelligence to create safer, healthier work environments.

Understand how workplace bullying is more than interpersonal conflict—it is an ongoing battlefield for respect, power, and survival. Learn actionable strategies to break the cycle of harm and build workplaces rooted in trust and psychological safety. Read to learn more.