Workplace Bullying vs. Workplace Conflict: Understanding the Difference

Last Updated February 19, 2025

Workplace bullying is often misunderstood as workplace conflict, but this misconception can have devastating consequences. While conflict is a normal part of any workplace, bullying is something far more severe and damaging. So, what’s the difference?

Workplace Conflict vs. Workplace Bullying

Everyone experiences conflict at work. We’ve all had moments of frustration, made comments we regret, or felt irritated by a colleague’s actions. However, these situations are usually resolved quickly. We apologize, move on, and continue working together.

Workplace bullying, on the other hand, is abusive behavior directed at a recipient by one or more perpetrators. It’s persistent, repeated, and occurs on a regular basis—daily, weekly, or monthly. Unlike conflict, bullying doesn’t resolve itself. Instead, it escalates, taking on multiple forms:

Verbal: Yelling, name-calling, or public humiliation.
Nonverbal: Exclusion, silent treatment, or aggressive body language.
Psychological: Gaslighting, manipulation, or undermining confidence.
Cyber: Inappropriate emails, messages, or online harassment.
Professional: Attacks on reputation, spreading rumors, or sabotaging work.

Often, bullies attack on several fronts at once. For example, a recipient might receive hostile emails while simultaneously being excluded from meetings and subjected to gossip. The abuse is relentless and multifaceted, leaving the recipient feeling isolated and powerless.

The Emotional Toll of Workplace Bullying

Most recipients try to stop the bullying on their own, but the emotional toll is overwhelming. They endure:

Constant inappropriate emails or messages.
Gossip and rumors spreading behind their back.
Colleagues refusing to speak to them.
Daily non-verbal aggression, like eye-rolling or dismissive gestures.

Despite their efforts, the abuse often continues for months—or even years—with no reprieve. Worse, it frequently involves multiple bullies, making it even harder to escape.

Why Workplace Bullying is More Than Conflict

Workplace bullying is often compared to domestic violence because of its abusive nature. However, unlike domestic violence, workplace bullying rarely has a “honeymoon period” where the aggression stops. Instead, it’s relentless and often escalates over time.

This is why it’s crucial to believe recipients and address workplace bullying head-on. It’s not just conflict—it’s a systemic issue that requires awareness, intervention, and cultural change.

Key Takeaways

Workplace conflict is normal and usually resolvable.
Workplace bullying is persistent, abusive, and damaging.
Recipients often face multiple forms of aggression simultaneously.
Addressing bullying requires belief, support, and systemic action.