Workplace violence and all-cause mortality

Abstract

Background Research suggests that workplace violence (WPV) increases the risk of psychological and physical health problems (e.g., type 2 diabetes). Research further suggests that WPV may affect long-term health; however, there are few studies and it is unclear whether WPV is associated with mortality. This study extends the literature by examining the association between WPV and all-cause mortality and whether workplace support moderates the association. Methods Cox models were estimated using data from the Swedish Work Environment Survey and Swedish registers (≈ N = 82,400). WPV was measured in terms of the frequency of exposure during the previous twelve months. Workplace social support was measured in terms of perceptions of social support from co-workers and/or superiors when work becomes troublesome. All-cause mortality includes death for any reason by the year of 2017. Results Adjusting for demographic and health factors (e.g., sex, education, chronic pain) and workplace support, exposure to WPV more than once per week increased significantly the risk of all-cause mortality. There did not appear to be an increased risk for those exposed less than once per week. While workplace support moderated the association between WPV and all-cause mortality, this was only the case for females who perceived support from superiors. Discussion Increased attention to workplace violence and threats of violence is warranted given the prevalence of these negative social behaviors in the workplace and associated long-term health risks. Our results suggest that workplace social support may buffer the negative health effects of WPV, at least for females. This suggests that policies aimed at reducing exposure to WPV, which simultaneously encourage workplace support, are worth exploring. Key messages Frequent exposure to workplace violence increases the risk of all-cause mortality. Support from superiors may buffer against some of the risk of all-cause mortality among females exposed to violence in the workplace.