A theoretical understanding of sickness absence among women who have experienced workplace bullying.
Historically, we have assumed that workplaces, where employed individuals spend approximately one third of their days, provide safe and supportive environments and opportunities to enhance women's capacities. Unfortunately, workplace bullying and consequent sickness absence are prevalent and costly realities that significantly influence women's health. In this study, sickness absence among 18 Canadian women who were targets of workplace bullying was explored using a grounded theory secondary analysis. Findings show that although sickness absence is critical in attenuating the health consequences of being bullied, it is a partial solution because rehabilitation and successful return to work is challenged when working conditions remain unchanged. This problem is addressed using is a three-stage process of discerning a path that involves gaining space, making sense, and moving forward. Organizational support is critical to all stages of the process; it can reduce the risk of declines in health and sickness absence, and is essential for successful return to work.
O'Donnell
Sue
S
School of Graduate Studies, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada. sue.o@unb.ca
MacIntosh
Judith
J
Wuest
Judith
J
D000328:Adult; D001955:British Columbia; D005260:Female; D006291:Health Policy; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008875:Middle Aged; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009509:New Brunswick; D018582:Sick Leave; D014754:Violence; D016387:Women's Health; D017132:Workplace