[Mobbing at work in Italy: a need for legislation on a growing problem]

Area of Science:

• Workplace psychology
• Occupational health
• Legal studies

Background:

• Mobbing involves violent behaviors like intimidation and isolation to force employees out.
• Recent Italian data indicates over 1.4 million women are victims of mobbing or sexual abuse.
• Existing legal frameworks in Italy lack specific mobbing legislation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a clearer definition of workplace mobbing.
• To highlight key concerns and challenges associated with mobbing.
• To propose potential solutions for addressing mobbing in the workplace.

Main Methods:

• This paper is a perspective-based analysis.
• It synthesizes existing knowledge on mobbing.
• It discusses legal interpretations and case law.

Main Results:

• Mobbing encompasses a range of aggressive behaviors causing psychological distress.
• The absence of specific legislation leads to inconsistent judicial outcomes.
• Judicial decisions rely on interpretations of general violence and work-stress laws.

Conclusions:

• There is a critical need for specific legislation to address workplace mobbing.
• Clearer legal definitions and consistent application of laws are required.
• Addressing mobbing requires a multi-faceted approach including legal and psychological support.