Workplace violence: A complex challenge demanding a systemic response

Workplace violence is associated with negative consequences for workers, organizations, and society. Experiencing violence at work has consistently been associated with an increased risk of symptoms of depression and anxiety, diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicide (1–3). Further, workplace violence has been found to increase the risk of physical health outcomes such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases (4, 5). Workplace violence can also lead to higher rates of turnover and sick leave (1, 6), translating into a societal economic burden (7). Longitudinal studies indicate that repeated exposure to workplace violence, compared with single episodes of violence, increases the risk of PTSD and sick leave further (8–10). Moreover, a recent study shows synergistic interaction effects for simultaneous exposure to workplace violence and other psychosocial working conditions, such as high emotional demands and high quantitative demands—conditions that are typically present in the same sectors (such as healthcare and education) where violence is frequently reported (11). Prevalence of workplace violence – the problem persists In a 2022 global survey, the International Labor Organization (ILO) found that more than one-fifth of the workforce experienced violence and harassment at work during their working life (12). While this gives an idea of the magnitude of the problem, it covers large differences between countries and sectors, as well as among types of violence and harassment. Effective prevention requires a more precise understanding of all these aspects, but in many countries, comprehensive data to identify the most exposed groups are not available. For Europe, however, it is possible to describe the main characteristics of workplace violence – which may be quite different from other parts of the world (12). Estimates from Europe indicate that 2–5% of the general workforce is affected by work-related violence, with substantially higher rates—ranging from 5–30%—reported in high-risk sectors (13–16). Despite these overall trends, comparing the prevalence of workplace violence remains challenging due to variations in definitions and measurements; in addition, widespread underreporting makes it difficult to obtain accurate figures (17). In this issue of the Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health , a longitudinal study by Gash 78(2):69-81. https://doi.org/10.1136/oemed-2020-106450 2. Rudkjoebing LA, Bungum AB, Flachs EM, Eller NH, Borritz M, Aust B, et al. Work-related exposure to violence or threats and risk of mental disorders and symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis. 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