Workplace bullying in Czechia: How to spot, report, and get help

Workplace bullying is a serious and rising issue in Czech companies, with almost one in eight jobs-related offenses constituting a form of deliberate malice. An English-friendly, confidential whistleblowing platform, Don’t Let It Be (NNTB), has expanded its resources to include workplace harassment.

Mental-health support website NNTB originally focused on detecting bullying in the education sector, but now helps employees report work-related bullying. Several institutions in Czechia, such as Newton University, have joined the project.  

According to NNTB representative Jan Sláma, bullying accounted for 13 percent of all workplace offenses reported by employees, a rise from the previous year.

Workplace bullying can take various forms, including bossing, where a superior bullies a subordinate through long-term, systematic pressure, such as passive-aggressive comments, excessive control, or unachievable tasks, NNTB describes.

Experts note that bullying can be perpetrated by anyone in the workplace, not just peers. Supervisors may engage in bullying to drive employees out, often creating a toxic environment. 

Jiří Vaňásek, vice-chairman of the Czech-Moravian Confederation of Trade Unions, tells Czech media outlet Novinky.cz that many cases arise from interpersonal conflicts rather than intentional attempts to force employees out to avoid severance pay (although the latter also occurs frequently).

"Upward bullying" refers to the mistreatment of a superior by subordinates, often with the goal of harm or removal, involving tactics such as refusal to cooperate. Mobbing involves bullying by other colleagues, with behaviors like ridicule, insults, or ignoring someone. Defamation is used for personal gain, often through slander. 

NNTB encourages individuals affected by workplace bullying to visit its website and file a report, which can be done anonymously. People should gather evidence, such as emails, screenshots, and witness statements, while completing the report. Case handlers will review it and may consult human resources experts.

If legal expertise is needed, especially for potential violations of labor laws, NNTB may consult legal professionals. With the reporter’s consent, they may also contact the workplace in question. In cases involving criminal activity or serious concerns, authorities like the police or labor regulators may be involved.

Co-founding partner of foreigner-focused law firm Petyovský & Partners in Czechia, Tomáš Petyovský, spoke with Expats.cz on the matter.

"Workplace bullying is not explicitly regulated in Czech labor law and would have to be addressed within the framework of standard procedures in labor relations, for example, by a reprimand given to the aggressor by the employer," Petyovský told us.

He added: "If the bullying were of a more serious nature, it would be addressed in the Czech Republic by criminal regulations, which include terms such as stalking, defamation or abuse."

Unions are actively addressing bullying cases through counseling centers, with many of the complaints involving managers mistreating subordinates. "We've had legal disputes regarding superiors who purposefully accused subordinates of not working hard enough," Vaňásek added.

Human resources experts warn that workplace bullying harms not only employees but also companies, reducing productivity and damaging morale. "If the source is top management, it can affect the entire company, showing employees that such behavior is tolerated," said Ludmila Fatková, an HR advisory partner at employment agency mBlue Czech.