Hungarian Quality Journal

Health and economic consequences of workplace mobbing: the impact of psychosocial risks on organizational performance

Metadata

Author(s): Szöllősi Zoltán, Szűcs-Kanda Emőke

DOI: https://doi.org/10.65513/MaMi.2026.1.5

Publisher: Nemzetközi Oktatási és Kutatási Központ Alapítvány

Volume: 2026. január

Volume number: 35

Issue number: 1

Journal: Hungarian Quality Journal

ISSN (Print): ISSN 1416‑9576

ISSN (Online): ISSN 1789-5510

Pages: 1–15

Keywords: workplace mobbing, psychosocial risk, workplace stress, mental health, humántőke, organizational performance

Abstract

Workplace mobbing and psychological harassment represent one of the most significant psychosocial risk factors in modern organizations. The phenomenon cannot be interpreted merely as an interpersonal conflict but rather as a complex organizational and societal problem with serious health and economic consequences. Persistent psychological harassment may trigger severe health-related processes affecting both the mental and physical condition of employees, while indirectly generating substantial economic losses for organizations and national economies.
The aim of this study is to provide a multidisciplinary overview of the health and economic consequences of workplace mobbing, with particular emphasis on the physiological mechanisms of chronic stress, the development of mental and psychosomatic disorders, and their impact on organizational performance. Using a theoretical review approach, the paper analyses relevant international and Hungarian literature to examine the role of psychosocial risks in the deterioration of human capital.
The analysis highlights that workplace mobbing significantly reduces productivity through absenteeism, presenteeism, and increased employee turnover, thereby creating considerable organizational costs. The study concludes that addressing workplace mobbing is not only an ethical and legal responsibility but also a fundamental prerequisite for sustainable employment, employee well-being, and economic competitiveness.
Keywords: workplace mobbing, psychosocial risk, workplace stress, mental health, human capital, organizational performance

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