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FAQ

Moral harassment

What is moral harassment?

In Luxembourg, moral harassment is defined as behavior that undermines a person's psychological and/or physical dignity, which is repeated, systematic, and prolonged over time. This takes the form of frequent personal attacks, which tend to become more intense, and continuous behavior. Moral harassment can take several forms...

How does moral harassment differ from intimidation or workplace conflicts?

Although intimidation and moral harassment have similarities, moral harassment is often more subtle and systematic. Unlike a punctual conflict, moral harassment is persistent and can intensify over time, affecting the victim's mental and physical health.

What is the difference between a conflict and a case of moral harassment?

In a conflict, each person is able to defend themselves and there is a certain balance of power. In a case of moral harassment, however, this balance disappears: the person finds themselves in a position of weakness, placed in a situation of submission, which makes them unable to defend themselves.

What are some common signs that a person is a victim of moral harassment?

 Among others:

  • Sudden exclusion from meetings or social interactions
  • Unjustified personal criticism or reproaches
  • Spreading rumors or false information
  • Assigning insignificant or excessive tasks as a form of punishment or with the aim of denigrating or discrediting the person
  • Undermining trust or professional reputation

See also the list of 45 facts under the publications section.

Is there a law against harassment in the workplace in Luxembourg?

In Luxembourg, moral harassment is governed by the law of March 29, 2023, which codifies it in Articles L. 246-1 et seq. of the Labor Code. This law requires employers to adopt measures to prevent harassment and protect employees from reprisals if they report or challenge a situation of harassment.

 

Who can be a victim of moral harassment: only employees, or also interns, freelancers, etc.?

Anyone working in a professional environment can be a victim of moral harassment: employees, interns, freelancers, and even volunteers. Moral harassment does not depend on the position held or the type of contract.

What are the psychological and physical effects of moral harassment?

Victims often suffer from anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and physical symptoms such as headaches or digestive problems. Prolonged exposure can lead to burnout or post-traumatic stress disorder. Early intervention is essential.

 

How to react?

What should I do if I think I am a victim of moral harassment at work?

Start by documenting the incidents in detail: dates, times, people involved, and what happened. Seek support quickly, whether from trusted colleagues, human resources, the staff delegation, or external organizations such as the Mobbing asbl. Do not isolate yourself.

How can I document incidents of moral harassment?

Keep a private journal of events, including emails, messages, and any written communication. Save relevant documents and note the names of any witnesses. This information may prove crucial if you decide to file a formal complaint with the ITM, take legal action, or take measures within your organization.

Should I confront the person who is harassing me?

It depends. In some cases, direct communication can help clarify misunderstandings. However, if the behavior is persistent or aggressive, it is safer to seek help from human resources, a staff representative, or a professional mediator.

 

Rights and protection

What legal protections are available to victims of moral harassment?

Luxembourg law protects workers against harassment and discrimination. If psychological harassment causes health problems or violates labor rights, victims can contact the Labor and Mines Inspectorate (ITM), a legal advisor, or a mediation service. The Mobbing asbl can help you navigate these different options.

 

What are my rights if I am on sick leave due to moral harassment?

If moral harassment has affected your health, you have the right to take sick leave. During this period, your employer must respect your privacy and cannot pressure you to return to work prematurely. You may also be entitled to psychological support or adjustments to your workplace upon your return.

 

What should HR or staff delegation do when a case of moral harassment is reported?

HR/staff delegation must take each report seriously, guarantee confidentiality, and act quickly. This involves investigating the situation, supporting the employee concerned, and implementing corrective measures. We can help HR/staff delegation by providing advice and resources.

The services provided by the Mobbing asbl

What services does the Mobbing asbl offer?
  • Individual consultations
    The Mobbing asbl offers assistance to anyone with an employment contract, whether permanent or fixed-term, who is experiencing moral harassment and stress at work.
  • IPCD
    Since January 2022, the Mobbing asbl has been offering a new service called IPCD (“Short-Term Psychological Intervention”) to anyone who contacts the association and is in a situation of psychological distress.
  • Training
    We offer training courses for administration/human resources/staff delegation.
  • Conferences
    We offer conferences for employees, various departments, or the general public.
  • Individual consultation
    We also offer individual case analysis consultations for staff representatives, HR, and management to assist them in the process.
Is your support confidential?

Yes. All conversations with our team are treated with the utmost confidentiality. We understand how sensitive these situations can be and prioritize your privacy and security.

 

Do I need to make an appointment to speak to someone?

Yes, we offer individual consultations to ensure that everyone receives personalized support. Before making an appointment, we ask that you call us first. During this call, we will provide you with all the necessary information and guide you through the next steps.

Are your services fee-based?

The initial case analysis consultation costs 40 euros. If further consultations are required, they are included in these 40 euros.
For additional assistance, we offer short-term psychological support at a rate of 50 euros per session.
Our goal is to make support accessible.

How can I contact the Mobbing asbl?

You can reach us by phone at +352 28 37 12 12 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
All requests are treated with discretion and care. Visit our Contact page for the latest information.

What should I expect during my first consultation?

Your first meeting is a safe space where you can share your experience. We will listen to you, ask you a few questions to understand your situation, and explain the options available to you. You are not obligated to make a decision: our goal is to support you, not pressure you.

Can I get help anonymously?

We need your contact details if you want to open a case. If not, we can give you some advice over the phone or by email.

Do you offer support in multiple languages?

Yes. We offer support in Luxembourgish, French, German, English, Portuguese, and Spanish. Please let us know your preferred language when you contact us.

How can employers prevent harassment at work?

Prevention starts with awareness. Employers must promote a culture of respect, implement clear anti-harassment policies, and train their staff to recognize and respond to harassment. Open communication and early intervention are essential.

Do you offer training courses or conferences for companies?

Yes. The Mobbing asbl offers tailor-made training courses for HR teams, employee representatives, and managers, as well as conferences for employees, various departments, or the general public.

These sessions focus on prevention, early detection, and creating a healthy work environment. You can contact us by phone or email for more information.

Do you also intervene in schools in cases of harassment between pupils?

No, we can only intervene in cases of workplace harassment. For school harassment, please see our Team section, where you will find all the necessary information.

Do you also intervene in cases of private harassment?

No, we can only intervene in cases of work-related harassment. In cases of private harassment, please contact the police, a lawyer, or your local municipality.

Are your services reimbursed by the CNS?

No. The services offered by the Mobbing asbl are not covered by the National Health Insurance Fund (CNS). However, we do our utmost to ensure that our support remains accessible to everyone.

What is the difference between the ITM and the Mobbing asbl?

The Mobbing asbl is an actor of prevention and early individual rehabilitation, but it is not a supervisory authority. It is a support organization and not a body responsible for sanctions or legal compliance. Its team is made up of psychologists and consultants.

The Labor and Mines Inspectorate (ITM) is a public authority, a department of the Luxembourg administration, which ensures compliance with labor legislation, occupational health and safety, and working conditions. The ITM can be contacted directly to file an official complaint.

I work in the public sector. Can I contact the Mobbing asbl?

The Psychosocial Support Service for the Public Sector remains the main point of contact for this sector. It has a multidisciplinary team of psychologists, psychotherapists, and mediators.
In the municipal sector, employees are encouraged to contact their own internal services first.
The Mobbing asbl remains available to provide information or, in exceptional cases, to take on certain specific cases.

How long is the waiting period for an appointment with the Mobbing asbl?

The waiting period varies depending on the availability and workload of each consultant or psychologist. It can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the number of cases being handled. Some companies may have a collaboration agreement with the association that guarantees priority treatment for their cases.

 

Can the Mobbing asbl offer me free legal advice or a lawyer?

The current team at the Mobbing asbl does not have any lawyers or legal experts. However, we can provide you with the contact details of our external legal advisors, whose fees are billed directly by them.

Another option is to contact your labor union's legal department, which often offers services at a reduced cost or even free of charge, or to contact the Luxembourg Bar Association's information service, located at the Cité judiciaire, which offers free initial legal information.

Does the Mobbing asbl offer mediation services?

At present, the Mobbing asbl team does not have any mediators, although such a project is being considered in the medium term. In the meantime, we invite you to contact the Mediation Center in Luxembourg. We remind you that mediation remains a voluntary process and that the other party has the right to refuse it.

Can the Mobbing asbl issue me with a certificate confirming that this is indeed a case of mobbing?

No, the Mobbing asbl is not a judicial authority. A certificate of attendance and a statement expressing dissatisfaction with the work situation can be provided.
In certain cases, if justified, a letter reporting distress can be sent to the employer, but this is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
To initiate legal proceedings, you must go through a lawyer or file an official complaint with the ITM, which will assess the situation.

What are the advantages of contacting the Mobbing asbl?
  • If you are in a situation where you are unsure whether your case really constitutes psychological harassment and you would like an external analysis;
  • If you feel that you are a victim of harassment and would like to discuss possible solutions to your situation;
  • If you are experiencing psychological distress and/or stress related to your situation at work;
  • If you are a company and would like an external investigation, advice on procedures, one-off assistance for a specific case, or the organization of awareness-raising activities;
  • If you need information about harassment;

 

Our team offers you expertise based on more than 20 years of experience in the field and competent, qualified professionals to support you.