Workplace harassment and violence in the public sector: an integrative literature review

Workplace violence is associated with workers' mental health impairment. This study aimed to characterize the scientific production on workplace harassment and/or violence in the public sector and to synthesize the main available evidence. An integrative literature review was conducted, with a protocol registered on the Open Science Framework platform (https://osf.io/phq4z/). Searches were performed in the VHL, PubMed, and APA PsycInfo^®. The search strategy included the descriptors "public sector," "harassment, non-sexual," and "workplace violence." Inclusion criteria were original articles published within the last 10 years, available in full text, written in Portuguese, English, or Spanish, whose study population included public sector workers and addressed workplace harassment and/or violence. After the selection process, 10 articles were included. Verbal violence showed a prevalence ranging from 19.4% to 63.5%, followed by physical violence, with rates between 9.8% and 16%, and sexual harassment, ranging from 9.1% to 12%. The public sector was approximately three times more affected compared with the private sector. Factors associated with increased susceptibility to workplace harassment and violence included being married, female sex, working as a physician or member of the nursing staff, night shift work, and professional practice in hospital emergency departments. Managerial support was identified as a protective factor. Repeated exposure to violent episodes was associated with an increased risk of suicide attempts and death by suicide. Public sector workers are significantly exposed to workplace harassment and violence. Greater attention from managers is recommended, along with strengthening public policies and educational programs aimed at implementing preventive measures and promoting healthier work environments.