Covert Emotional Abuse at the Workplace

"Over the last several years, we have become familiar with the term toxic workplace. And typically, the related bullying and harassment are considered along with the legal term hostile work environment. What we don't as frequently recognize is the covert emotional abuse taking place in many work environments. As most of us know, any form of abuse is about power and control. And if ever there were a place where power and control are part of the culture,"

"In fact, that does not mean that every workplace fosters emotional abuse. And there are many organizations that provide training to managers and upper-level employees on more authentic methods of management that would discourage and even eliminate emotional abuse. The problem remains, however, and runs rampant around the globe. And what is most concerning is the possibility that, as awareness of overt bullying increases, there is the potential for the overt to become covert."

Workplace abuse often takes the form of covert emotional abuse rooted in power and control. Organizational hierarchies concentrate power in bosses who must maintain control, creating chains of command that can perpetuate emotional abuse down to entry-level employees. Not every organization enables such abuse; some offer management training that discourages abusive behaviors. Rising awareness of overt bullying may drive abusive behavior to become more covert. Competition for pay and power within hierarchies intensifies pressure and fosters emotional abuse. Recognizing and naming emotional abuse allows individuals to assess risks and plan appropriate next steps.

Read at Psychology Today