EXTENDED SUMMARY

Introduction

ILO 190 outlines comprehensive measures to combat workplace violence and harassment, emphasizing preventive and protective mechanisms, particularly for vulnerable groups. This study focuses on public sector employees, aiming to understand their experiences and perceptions of violence and harassment, while assessing their alignment with ILO 190 principles.

Methodology

The descriptive analysis method was used in the study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 participants, with data analyzed using MAXQDA. Snowball sampling was used to reach participants, ensuring diversity in gender, age, and professional status. Ethical approval was obtained from Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University’s Ethics Committee.

Findings

Definitions of Violence and Harassment

Participants predominantly associated violence and harassment with psychological violence, including verbal abuse, exclusion, and emotional manipulation. Physical violence was scarcely mentioned, while economic and sexual violence were largely unrecognized. Higher-level employees displayed a broader understanding of these concepts, emphasizing systemic and hierarchical dimensions.

Experiences of Violence and Harassment

Of the 24 participants, 19 reported experiencing workplace violence or harassment. Key forms included:

• Assignment of menial or irrelevant tasks, undermining professional skills and status.
• Social and professional exclusion, leading to diminished workplace participation.
• Excessive workloads or denial of reasonable accommodations, reflecting power imbalances.
• Gender-based harassment, with female participants highlighting instances of verbal and non-verbal misconduct.
• Exploitation of hierarchical authority, especially during thesis evaluations and promotion processes.

Conclusion

The study highlights that workplace violence and harassment are critical issues within the public sector, with psychological violence and gender-based discrimination being especially prevalent. The findings emphasize the importance of ILO 190 as a guiding framework for defining, preventing, and addressing these behaviors. However, the effective implementation of this framework requires significant improvements in institutional policies and employee awareness

Institutional efforts should focus on enhancing the accessibility of reporting mechanisms and organizing awareness campaigns about workers’ rights. Additionally, active monitoring systems should be established to identify and prevent instances of violence and harassment. Support mechanisms for victims must be strengthened to ensure they receive adequate assistance.

Training programs are essential for educating both employees and managers about the standards outlined in ILO 190. These programs can bridge existing knowledge gaps and promote a workplace culture that prioritizes safety and equality. By adopting these measures, the public sector can foster a more secure and inclusive working environment while aligning with international standards set forth by ILO 190.