Aggression on Job More Harmful Than Sexual Harassment

Persistent criticism, belittling comments, bullying and other forms of
workplace aggression may inflict more harm on employees than sexual
harassment, according to a study.
"As sexual harassment becomes less acceptable in society, organizations may
be more attuned to helping victims, who may therefore find it easier to
cope. In contrast, non-violent forms of workplace aggression such as
incivility and bullying are not illegal, leaving victims to fend for
themselves," lead author M. Sandy Hershcovis, of the University of Manitoba,
said in a prepared statement.
In their work, the researchers reviewed 110 studies conducted over 21 years.
They found that both workplace aggression and sexual harassment create
negative work environments and unhealthy consequences for workers, but
aggression has more severe consequences.
Workers faced with bullying, incivility or interpersonal conflict were more
likely to quit their jobs, have a lower level of well-being, be less
satisfied with their jobs, and have less satisfying relationships with their
bosses than workers who were sexually harassed, the researchers concluded.
In addition, bullied employees reported more job stress, less job commitment
and higher levels of anger and anxiety.
"Bullying is often more subtle and may include behaviors that do not appear
obvious to others," Hershcovis said. "For instance, how does an employee
report to their boss that they have been excluded from lunch? Or that they
are being ignored by a co-worker? The insidious nature of these behaviors
makes them difficult to deal with and sanction."
The study was to be presented at the International Conference on Work,
Stress and Health, co-sponsored by the American Psychological Association,
the U.S. National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, and the
Society for Occupational Health Psychology. [WP]