Role of Sexual Harassment in Female Mental Distress, Burnout, and Job Satisfaction: Moderating role of perceived peer support

Abstract

Businesses are facing cut-throat competition to compete and survive in the highly dynamic industrial environment. Managers are making all efforts to maximize the capitalization of available resources and achieve operational efficiency. However, firms cannot survive without developing their human resources and ensuring their mental and physical health. Considering the significant increase in women's participation in industrial operations, this study focuses on the sexual harassment issue they face in the business environment and how it impacts their mental health, job burnout, and satisfaction. In this regard, perceived peer support is taken as a moderating variable. The authors took data from female staff associated with the hospitality and tourism industry. It is found that sexual harassment orientation results in mental distress, increased job burnout, and declined job satisfaction. However, perceived peer support significantly moderates these findings and diminishes the strength of these relations. The finding suggests that management must take care of their female workers and promote a safe and healthy working environment that discourages sexual harassment and respect all workers.