Understanding workplace gaslighting and subtle bullying is the first step toward protecting your mental health and restoring your sense of confidence and agency.
We spend a large portion of our lives at work. Ideally, the workplace should feel respectful, collaborative, and psychologically safe. However, for many people, work can quietly become a source of chronic stress.
Not all toxic environments are loud or obvious. Instead, some are subtle. They show up as quiet manipulation, dismissive comments, shifting expectations, or constant undermining. Over time, these experiences can slowly erode confidence, self-trust, and emotional well-being.
What Is Workplace Gaslighting?
The term gaslighting comes from a 1944 film in which a husband manipulates his wife into doubting her own reality. In psychology, gaslighting refers to a subtle but deeply unhealthy form of manipulation where someone causes you to question your thoughts, memory, judgment, or feelings.
It is often quiet. There are no dramatic confrontations. Instead, it works slowly.
Research shows that gaslighting can leave individuals feeling confused, insecure, and unsure of themselves. It plants seeds of self-doubt that may not be obvious at first. However, over time, those seeds grow—and the emotional impact can become significant (Kukreja & Pandey, 2023).
In the workplace, gaslighting frequently occurs where there is a power imbalance, such as between a manager and an employee. For example, a supervisor may repeatedly deny ever promising a raise or promotion, even when the employee has clear evidence of strong performance. Over time, the employee may begin to question whether they are actually competent or deserving (Travers, 2024).
Another common example occurs when someone raises concerns about harassment or mistreatment and is told they are “too sensitive” or “misinterpreting the situation.”
In these situations, when authority figures dismiss concerns in this way, employees may start doubting their own perceptions and emotional reactions (Travers, 2024).
According to a 2023 research study, two main components of workplace gaslighting were identified:
1. Trivialization
Trivialization involves minimizing concerns, downplaying serious issues, or casually dismissing complex situations. It may appear in several ways, including:
Minimizing your complaints
Failing to keep promises
Making degrading comments
Misrepresenting conversations
When this happens repeatedly, someone who consistently trivializes your concerns can cause you to slowly lose confidence in your own judgment. Over time, self-worth can begin to erode in subtle but powerful ways.
2. Affliction
Affliction refers to the emotional pain and distress caused by ongoing manipulation. In particular, it includes the negative emotions projected onto the target—criticism, blame, or shame—that gradually shape how a person sees themselves.
Over time, gaslighting can change how you think about your competence, your value, and even your sense of reality.
What Is Workplace Bullying?
Workplace bullying involves repeated negative behaviours directed at someone who feels powerless to stop them. It can occur across hierarchies—from managers to employees, peers to peers, or even subordinates toward supervisors.
Spreading malicious rumors
Persistent criticism or humiliation
Yelling or aggressive tone
Constant belittling
Setting impossible deadlines
Withholding important information
Blocking promotions or leave unfairly
Giving incorrect information intentionally
Bullying is not a one-time conflict. Rather, it is a pattern of behaviour that creates a hostile work environment.
The Psychological and Physical Impact
The effects of workplace bullying and gaslighting extend far beyond the office. In fact, research shows that employees who experience workplace mistreatment report the following mental health effects:
Anxiety and chronic stress
Depression
Sleep disturbances
Emotional exhaustion
Adjustment disorders
Reduced self-esteem
In severe cases, suicidal ideation
Women who experience workplace bullying often report higher levels of psychological distress, sleep difficulties, and fatigue (Sansone & Sansone, 2015). Similarly, men may experience depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, and, in severe cases, work-related suicide (Sansone & Sansone, 2015).
Chronic workplace stress can also contribute to the following physical health effects:
Neck and musculoskeletal pain
Headaches
Cardiovascular symptoms
Gastrointestinal issues
Weakened immune response
Beyond health concerns, bullying can also lead to increased sick days, job loss, and financial instability (Sansone & Sansone, 2015).
These findings highlight something important: workplace hostility does not stay at work. Instead, it affects mood, relationships, physical health, and overall quality of life.
How to Handle Workplace Gaslighting and Bullying
While these experiences can feel overwhelming, there are steps you can take to protect yourself (Wheeler, 2024).
1. Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, pay attention. Persistent confusion or self-doubt may be a sign that something unhealthy is happening. Your emotional responses matter.
2. Set Clear Boundaries: Communicate limits respectfully and assertively. For example: “I would appreciate feedback being shared privately.” “Can we clarify expectations in writing?”. Boundaries reinforce your self-respect, even if others resist them.
3. Seek Support: Talk to trusted friends, colleagues, or a mental health professional. Gaslighting thrives in isolation. Sharing your experience can restore perspective and reduce self-blame.
You Deserve Psychological Safety at Work
If you find yourself feeling confused, doubting your reality, or experiencing chronic stress related to work, support is available.
At Scarborough Psychology Clinic, we provide evidence-based therapy to help individuals rebuild confidence, process workplace trauma, and develop healthy boundaries.
If workplace stress is affecting your well-being,
📞 Call us at 416-438-3800
🌐 Visit www.scarboroughpsychology.com
📅 Book a consultation today
You do not have to navigate this alone.
Compassionate Care for a Brighter Tomorrow.
References
Government of Canada, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. (2026, February 5). Bullying in the workplace. https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/psychosocial/bullying.html
Kukreja, P., & Pandey, J. (2023). Workplace gaslighting: Conceptualization, development, and validation of a scale. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1099485. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1099485
Sansone, R. A., & Sansone, L. A. (2015, February 1). Workplace bullying: a tale of adverse consequences. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4382139/
Travers, M., PhD. (2024, May 22). Gaslighting can happen in places you’d least expect it—including the workplace. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/social-instincts/202405/2-clear-signs-that-youre-a-victim-of-workplace-gaslighting
Wheeler, M. A., PhD. (2024, August 7). Mitigate the silent threat posed by gaslighters at work. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/ethically-speaking/202408/how-to-deal-with-gaslighting-from-your-boss