Lived Experiences of Workplace Harassment: A Qualitative Study Among Female Employees

Abstract

Workplace harassment continues as a widespread problem that harms female employees causing them both emotional and psychological distress. A phenomenological approach was utilized in this qualitative research to study workplace harassment experiences faced by female workers in District Mansehra. The researcher collected data through purposive sampling for conducting in-depth semi-structured interviews with female employees who have faced workplace harassment. The research applied thematic analysis to uncover standard patterns and themes as per Braun and Clarke’s (2006) framework. Four key themes emerged verbal harassment, fear of retaliation, emotional distress, and lack of organizational support. Findings reveal that verbal harassment is often trivialized, discouraging women from speaking out. Fear of retaliation prevents victims from reporting incidents, as workplace power dynamics favor perpetrators. Participants reported significant emotional and psychological distress, affecting both professional and personal lives. Moreover, a lack of organizational support perpetuates a culture of silence. Anti-harassment policies need to be strengthened through the implementation of impartial complaint systems which should incorporate psychology-based victim support mechanisms. Heavy investment in studies needs to happen to bring forward solutions which both enhance workplace equality and implement systemic changes that combat harassment across organizations effectively.