A Cross-Sectional Study Exploring the Impact of Violence on Healthcare Employees' Work Engagement and Meaningful Work

Aim: This study aims to determine the prevalence of workplace violence against healthcare professionals and its effects on work engagement and meaningful work in healthcare settings. Design: This study is designed as an analytical cross- sectional study. Methods: This study surveyed 676 healthcare professionals in Turkiye between June and December 2022, using face- to- face and online methods. Scales measured exposure to and witnessing violence, work engagement, and meaningful work. The study has adhered to STROBE guidelines. Statistical analyses included descriptive, correlation, and linear regression. Results: According to the results, shouting and cursing by patients and their companions were determined as the most common type of violence encountered by healthcare professionals. The effect of healthcare professionals' exposure to violence from patients' companion on work engagement and witnessing to violence from colleagues on meaningful work were found to be negative and significant. Discussion: The findings emphasise the urgent need for interventions addressing workplace violence against healthcare professionals. Since workplace violence significantly reduces work engagement and the sense of meaningful work in healthcare setting. Impact: By highlighting the prevalence of workplace violence and its negative impact on both work engagement and meaningful work in healthcare setting, this study provides critical evidence for policymakers and healthcare administrators. Patient or Public Contribution: The participants in this study were healthcare professionals who had direct contact with patients and their relatives.