2024-12-03

Workplace Mobbing in Serbia: An Invisible Issue Demanding Louder Solutions

Centre Dialogue – Social Forum

Workplace bullying, or mobbing, is a persistent issue in Serbia that often remains invisible to the public, while institutions fail to dedicate sufficient attention to its resolution. During the debate Workplace Bullying in Serbia: A Personal Matter or a Social Issue?, held on 3 December 2024 and organised by the Centre for Democracy Foundation in collaboration with the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, participants examined various aspects of this complex phenomenon and proposed potential solutions.

The opening remarks were delivered by: Marija Zarić, Commissioner for the Protection of Equality; Olga Vučković-Kićanović, Labour Law and HR Consultant; Jovana Misailović, Centre for Decent Work; Tamara Džamonja Ignjatović, Serbian Psychological Society; Jasmina Kovarbašić, Entrepreneur and Lifestyle and Food Blogger, Miloš Đajić, Centre for Modern Skills, and Nataša Vučković, Centre for Democracy Foundation. The discussion also featured contributions from: Zoran Stojiljković, retired Professor at the Faculty of Political Sciences; Filip Bogdenović, Journalist; Natalija Novčić, Confederation of Free Trade Unions; Aleksandra Vujović, Association of Free and Independent Trade Unions, and Gorana Angebrant, Activist. The debate was moderated by Ivana Stojanović, Journalist.

Participants discussed workplace bullying, its impact on individuals, workplace environments, and the broader community. Topics included recognising mobbing, its consequences for mental health and employee productivity, and the legal mechanisms available for protection. Special emphasis was placed on whether mobbing is an internal issue to be resolved within the company or a societal challenge requiring systemic changes, such as raising awareness, education, and more effective enforcement of laws.

The participants agreed on the need to increase awareness of workplace bullying, improve the legal framework, and ensure the effective implementation of existing protective mechanisms.

The debate "Workplace Bullying in Serbia: A Personal Matter or a Social Issue?" was organized by the Center for Democracy Foundation in collaboration with the Friedrich Ebert Foundation as part of the Centre Dialogue – Social Forum project.