Longitudinal relations between workplace mistreatment and engagement - The role of suicidal ideation among employees with mood disorders

Despite the fact that suicide deaths are on the rise in the United States and that prior research has implicated workplace factors as contributors to suicide, there is a dearth of management research specific to work and suicide. This study posited and found support for a mediated relationship between workplace mistreatment (i.e., incivility, social undermining, and ostracism) and work engagement via suicidal ideation among at-risk employees: those with depression and/or bipolar disorder. Next, we identify which individuals might be especially vulnerable to the effect of mistreatment on suicidal ideation: individuals not seeking treatment for their mood disorder. Our findings indicate that low-grade workplace mistreatment can have serious implications for employees' mental health and work-related outcomes. We conclude by discussing additional workplace factors that might contribute to suicidal ideation as well as identifying ways organizations can use the reported findings to aid in suicide prevention.

Automated summary

This study suggests that workplace mistreatment may lead to suicidal ideation among at-risk employees with depression and/or bipolar disorder, especially those who do not seek treatment. The findings indicate that even low-grade mistreatment in the workplace can have serious implications for employees' mental health.