TikTok Executive Tobias Henning Reportedly Placed on Leave Amid Bullying Allegations

A TikTok executive overseeing operations in Central Europe has been placed on leave following allegations of fostering a toxic work environment characterized by bullying, “mansplaining,” and sexual harassment against women employees

Tobias Henning, the general manager of TikTok’s operations in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, faces multiple complaints regarding his conduct at the company.

Reports suggest that Henning’s behavior was so problematic that one pregnant employee avoided meeting him, fearing that stress from interactions with him would negatively impact her unborn child.

Descriptions of Henning in the complaints range from being “unhinged” to creating uncomfortable work environments, especially during one-on-one meetings.

On Monday, TikTok staff in Germany were informed of Henning’s leave as the company conducts investigations into the complaints. Allegations against Henning include unpredictable mood swings, sudden attitude changes, and instances where female employees were reduced to tears due to his behavior.

One formal complaint, reviewed by The Post, outlined instances of misogyny, sexual harassment, derogatory comments, lack of respect, and mansplaining directed towards female employees under Henning’s supervision.

When one employee reported these incidents to HR, she allegedly received no support, indicating a lack of responsiveness to concerns.

Another complaint highlights a situation where a pregnant employee experienced significant stress and psychological distress following a meeting with Henning, prompting fears about jeopardizing her unborn child’s well-being. The complaint includes a text message expressing concern over Henning’s behavior.

Henning’s actions are also accused of violating German labor laws safeguarding pregnant employees, as the workplace environment failed to ensure adequate protection against health hazards as required by law.

Additionally, Henning is alleged to have humiliated and undermined direct reports, affecting their performance and morale. His behavior reportedly included making derogatory remarks about performance publicly and denying work opportunities without valid business reasons.

While the female employees’ identities remain undisclosed, their complaints shed light on a broader issue of workplace culture at TikTok’s Germany offices, prompting internal investigations and Henning’s subsequent leave.

TikTok maintains strong policies against discrimination and harassment in the workplace and encourages employees to report concerns, assuring anonymity if desired. The company’s spokesperson emphasized the importance of investigating every reported incident thoroughly.

The complaints were submitted to TikTok Germany’s “works council,” an internal body representing employee interests. Such councils play a significant role in addressing workplace issues and fostering better relationships between management and employees.

Fast Company’s report on Henning’s leave and the complaints has drawn attention to TikTok’s internal dynamics and the need for transparent and fair workplace practices, especially regarding gender-based discrimination and harassment.

Henning’s case adds to a series of controversies surrounding TikTok, including allegations of unfair treatment towards female employees and concerns over overworking staff, which the company has previously denied.

The broader context of TikTok’s future in the US is also relevant, given legislative actions and concerns regarding data privacy and security, leading to uncertainties about the platform’s operations and legal challenges.