Effects of Workplace Bullying on Employees’ Mental Health and Well-Being Among Hospital Staff in Ho, Volta Region of Ghana

Introduction: Workplace bullying is one of the serious workplace challenges that has recently gained much consideration in organizational research and management due to the rise in its prevalence and tremendous negative impacts on the mental health and general well-being of employees. Nevertheless, it is a subject that has been given less attention in many developing countries, including Ghana. As a result, there is limited information on the magnitude of the effects of workplace bullying on the well-being of workers and their professional performance. Objective: This study explored the effects of workplace bullying on employees' mental health and well-being among hospital staff in Ho Teaching Hospital and Ho Municipal Hospital in the Volta Region of Ghana. Methods: The study employed a qualitative phenomenological descriptive study design to explore the effect of workplace bullying among healthcare workers, whereby 24 participants were recruited purposively to reach saturation. Interview guides were used to collect data, which was audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data underwent thematic analysis. Result: This study's findings revealed that participants experienced defamation of character, exclusion, and seasons of payback. These have affected their health as some fell ill repeatedly, while others grew lean and tired, as well as became disturbed emotionally. Participants fall on confronting the bully, setting boundaries, leaning on friends, and reporting the bully as coping mechanisms. Conclusion: The various effects of workplace bullying among healthcare workers, as highlighted by the study, need urgent proactive measures to combat workplace bullying in healthcare settings. Addressing workplace bullying not only benefits individual well-being but also enhances organizational performance and the quality of patient care.