Over 75% of workers in Türkiye face workplace violence: Study

A study conducted by Ozyegin University in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) reveals that over 75% of workers in Türkiye have experienced at least one form of workplace violence during their careers.

The research focuses on five types of violence: psychological, economic, physical, sexual, and discriminatory practices, highlighting their prevalence.

Workplace violence in numbers

• Over 75% impacted: More than three-quarters of respondents report being subjected to at least one type of workplace violence.
• Economic violence: Nearly 60% of participants cite issues such as delayed wages, denial of overtime pay, unfair salary policies, or threats related to job security. Private-sector workers report nearly double the rate of economic violence compared to public-sector employees.
• Psychological violence: Close to half of all workers, regardless of gender, report experiencing psychological abuse. Women in managerial positions face a higher frequency of such incidents compared to their male counterparts or women in non-managerial roles.
• Sexual violence: One in four women reports experiencing sexual violence at work, with their rate of exposure more than double that of men.
• Physical violence: One-third of respondents say they have encountered some form of physical violence, with men reporting higher rates than women.
• Discrimination: About 20% of workers have experienced workplace discrimination. Women more commonly report appearance-based bias, while men frequently highlight ethnic or religious discrimination.

Why it matters

Workplace violence has significant negative effects on employee job satisfaction, engagement, and overall mental health. The study highlights that over half of those affected have faced multiple forms of violence, demonstrating the depth and seriousness of the issue.

In Detail

• Awareness gap: Many perpetrators fail to acknowledge the impact of their actions, while victims often underestimate the harm caused. This reflects a broader lack of awareness surrounding workplace violence.
• Limited organizational support: Almost 90% of respondents believe their organizations provide insufficient resources or information to address workplace violence.
• Union benefits: Union membership offers workers enhanced protection, particularly against sexual violence and discrimination.
• Silent witnesses: Witnesses of workplace violence largely remain passive, often leaving victims without essential support.

What they’re saying

Professor H. Canan Sumer of Ozyegin University explains that the study aims to assess the prevalence of workplace violence across demographic groups, evaluate awareness levels, and analyze how employees cope with such experiences.

Broader context

The study’s findings were released on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, underscoring the systemic nature of workplace violence. The research stresses that these incidents are not isolated but pervasive, requiring immediate attention from organizations, policymakers, and society as a whole.