News

Where Does “Strict Leadership” End and Bossing Begin?

7/29/2025

In July, the media was shaken by the news that the board of Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital had paid over ten thousand euros in court-ordered moral compensation to several medical staff due to psychological abuse inflicted by the head of the Emergency Medical Center. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated case in the Latvian labor market, where individuals have experienced psychological violence from their superiors—commonly referred to as "bossing." Yet, few report such incidents, and even fewer cases are recognized by relevant authorities as abusive behavior that warrants further action. In 2024, only four out of 44 complaints were confirmed as mobbing, while in 2025, up to now, mobbing was identified in 9 out of 36 cases.

Organizational culture on holiday: how corporate values shape leisure, time-off norms, and recovery

6/26/2025

As you set your out-of-office reply and prepare to log off, have you noticed how differently people disconnect? Some vanish, others stay semi-present, often with a beach selfie and a quick Slack check-in. That’s not just personal preference - it’s culture.

Vacation from work does not equal proper rest: how to really switch off

6/11/2025

Summer is upon us, and with it comes the much-anticipated vacation season. However, there is often a common misconception regarding the nature of vacation—it is frequently equated with rest. Most people and organisations mainly view vacation from a work perspective and consider it as off-job time that provides employees with opportunities to remove stress sources related to work. Proper rest, however, involves the restoration of energy, mental rejuvenation, and the opportunity to engage in direct and profound social interaction with family and friends. In a world that praises constant busyness and “grinding,” taking time off and knowing how to truly rest has become a rare occurrence, whether during a typical week or even while on vacation.

Microaggression in the Workplace – A Barrier to Women's Professional Growth

6/10/2025

In recent years, there has been active discussion about gender equality in the workplace and narrowing the pay gap between women and men. However, subtle and often unnoticed forms of behaviour still exist—both professionally and in everyday life—that undermine women's sense of security, self-worth, and professional growth. One such form is microaggression: a small but repeated, often unconscious action whose impact is far from harmless. These aren’t overt insults, but seemingly trivial remarks or actions that, over time, erode confidence and professional potential.

A transparent salary system helps achieve goals

6/8/2025

Today's working world increasingly demands transparency and fairness, especially so, when it comes to salary policy. Employees are no longer silent salary earners who simply "take what they are given." They are aware, they compare, they ask questions and they want to understand – why do I get this much and why does he get that other amount? If the answer to this question is vague or non-existent, it not only causes resentment, but also builds distrust and alienation from the organization's goals. This, in turn, makes it more difficult for any organization to achieve its goals