Unveiling the Silent Suffering: Evaluating the Frequency of Workplace Verbal, Discriminatory, and Psychological Harassment among Female Healthcare Professionals in Punjab

Abstract

Background: Workplace harassment, including psychological, discriminatory, and bullying behaviors, specifically excluding sexual harassment is a pervasive issue globally, adversely affecting the mental and physical well-being of women in the workforce. However, there is a significant lack of scientific research on workplace harassment in Pakistan. Objective: To evaluate the frequency and types of workplace verbal, discriminatory and psychological harassment experienced by female healthcare professionals in Punjab Methods: Workplace Harassment scale (WHS) 24- items questionnaire was used for this study, duration of study was from January 2023 to March 2023, E- Questionnaire was circulated via email and a total of 444 participants took part in this study. Descriptive statistics were applied to analyze the demographic data and results were presented in frequency and percentage. Results: Among 444 participants, that 64.4 % of females (n=286) have faced verbal, discriminatory and psychological harassment at some point in their career. Conclusion: This study on Workplace verbal, discriminatory, and psychological harassment among female healthcare Professionals highlight the urgency of implementing interventions to discourage such behavior and cultivate a more respectful and supportive atmosphere for healthcare professionals. The study adds to the existing body of research on workplace harassment and emphasizes the significance of prioritizing the psychological well-being of healthcare professionals in a safe working place. This study aims to fill this gap by examining the various types of workplace harassment experienced by female healthcare professionals, highlighting the need for preventive measures and timely interventions to support the mental health of victims in healthcare.