Workplace bullying case dropped despite supervisor banning colleagues from speaking to employee

A Finnish prosecutor has closed an investigation into three supervisors accused of bullying a social services worker and violating occupational safety laws, despite evidence that one supervisor forbade colleagues from speaking to the employee, public broadcaster Yle reports.

The case involved a worker identified as Anne, employed by the Pohde welfare region in Northern Ostrobothnia, who described sustained mistreatment by her supervisor. According to Anne, the supervisor repeatedly criticised her professional competence, ignored her in meetings, shouted at her, belittled her, and explicitly prohibited coworkers from assisting or communicating with her. When Anne struggled with a new IT system, the supervisor barred a colleague from helping her. Her work hours were scrutinised to the extent that she began logging even her bathroom breaks.

Anne documented over 200 pages of evidence, which she submitted to the Regional State Administrative Agency (Avi) and police. Avi ruled her treatment improper and faulted the employer’s response as inadequate. Despite this, the prosecutor terminated the case, stating it lacked sufficient public interest to warrant charges.

Five other current or former Pohde employees interviewed by Yle reported similar experiences of bullying or unprofessional treatment, with all stating the employer failed to intervene effectively. One described the situation as “the worst treatment I’ve ever experienced at work,” while another called a mandatory mediation session “a farce” after supervisors allegedly allowed bullying to continue during the meeting.

Pohde officially maintains a zero-tolerance policy on bullying, with clear protocols and supervisor training, according to community relations manager Oili Ojala. However, Ojala acknowledged that recent organisational changes and layoff negotiations may have contributed to inconsistencies in applying the guidelines. “It’s possible some supervisors haven’t had time to familiarise themselves with the procedures,” she said.

A 2025 survey by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health found that 14 percent of welfare region employees nationwide reported experiencing bullying, with only half filing formal complaints. At Pohde, 13.2 percent of staff reported bullying and 19 percent reported discrimination. Workplace safety chief Petra Neitola attributed the prevalence to high workloads and cost-cutting pressures, noting that stressed employees may react differently and conflicts arise more easily.

In nearly all cases reviewed by Yle, the alleged bully was a supervisor. One care worker stated the stress led to sick leave, while another described the environment as one where “management turns a blind eye.”