Estimating the Impact of Workplace Bullying: Humanistic and Economic Burden among Workers with Chronic Medical Conditions

Abstract

Background. Although the prevalence of work-limiting diseases is increasing, the interplay between occupational exposures and chronic medical conditions remains largely uncharacterized. Research has shown the detrimental effects of workplace bullying but very little is known about the humanistic and productivity cost in victims with chronic illnesses. We sought to assess work productivity losses and health disutility associated with bullying among subjects with chronic medical conditions. Methods. Participants (N = 1717) with chronic diseases answered a self-administered survey including sociodemographic and clinical data, workplace bullying experience, the SF-12 questionnaire, and the Work Productivity Activity Impairment questionnaire. Results. The prevalence of significant impairment was higher among victims of workplace bullying as compared to nonvictims (SF-12 PCS: 55.5% versus 67.9%, p < 0.01; SF-12 MCS: 59.4% versus 74.3%, p < 0.01). The adjusted marginal overall productivity cost of workplace bullying ranged from 13.9% to 17.4%, corresponding to Italian Purchase Power Parity (PPP) 2010 US$ 4182–5236 yearly. Association estimates were independent and not moderated by concurrent medical conditions. Conclusions. Our findings demonstrate that the burden on workers' quality of life and productivity associated with workplace bullying is substantial. This study provides key data to inform policy-making and prioritize occupational health interventions.

Insights into workplace bullying: psychosocial drivers and effective interventions

“…A recent study has calculated the burden on workers’ quality of life and productivity associated with workplace bullying and found that the adjusted marginal overall productivity cost ranged from ~15%, corresponding to Italian Purchase Power Parity 2010, which amounted to US$4,182–5,236 yearly. 65 Thus, the question is, how is a given department affected when a bully perpetrates negative behaviors but the direct supervisor does nothing, legitimating then the bullying process? And how is the whole organization impacted?…”

The effects of autoimmune blistering diseases on work productivity: A review

“…Previous studies in work productivity have established that greater disease severity is associated with worse work productivity and worse quality of life. Fattori et al, 2015 (Italy) SF-12 WPAIQ n = 1,717 Patients with autoimmune arthritis, major depression disorder, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease 81% of subjects who experienced workplace bullying had a preexisting medical condition before the bullying started. Patients who experienced bullying had much higher WPAI scores and worse QoL scores compared with those who were not bullied.…”

“… Fattori et al (2015) established a link between workplace bullying and work productivity in a study that used the WPAIQ in patients with one of four chronic conditions, including major depressive disorder, psoriasis, autoimmune arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. A total of 81% of patients who experienced workplace bullying had a preexisting medical condition before the bullying started.…”

“…A total of 81% of patients who experienced workplace bullying had a preexisting medical condition before the bullying started. Patients who experienced bullying had much higher WPAI scores and worse QoL scores compared with those who were not bullied ( Fattori et al, 2015 ). Patients with AIBD were not included in this study; however, it is likely that patients with AIBD may also be targets of workplace bullying, which can further affect work productivity.…”

Adverse childhood experiences and bullying behaviours at work among workers in Japan

“…Victims of workplace bullying also reported sleep disturbances2 and suicidal ideation 3 4. The productivity loss (absenteeism and presenteeism combined) due to workplace bullying was between 13.9% and 17.4% of working hours 5…”