Sexual harassment and employee performance in the construction industry: the mediating role of psychological distress and employee engagement

Purpose The construction industry presents a particularly notable and demanding setting where sexual harassment demands special consideration. With its largely male-dominated workforce, intense work settings and entrenched workplace norms, the construction sector provides a unique backdrop in which the complexities of sexual harassment manifest. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between sexual harassment and employee performance in the construction industry, with a particular focus on examining the mediating roles of psychological distress and employee engagement. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey design was utilized to collect data from 188 construction industry professionals. Participants completed validated questionnaires assessing their experiences with sexual harassment, levels of psychological distress, employee engagement and self-reported performance indicators. Partial least square-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was conducted to examine the direct and mediated effects of sexual harassment on employee performance through psychological distress and employee engagement. Findings The findings reveal a lack of statistical significance in the negative relationship between sexual harassment and employee performance within the construction sector. Furthermore, there was a significant negative relationship between sexual harassment and employee engagement. Employee engagement emerged as a full mediator, buffering the negative effects of harassment on performance and suggesting that engaged employees may be better equipped to cope with and mitigate the impact of harassment. Research limitations/implications The study’s findings contribute to understanding workplace dynamics amidst sexual harassment in construction. Work engagement fully mediates the relationship, highlighting the need to prioritize initiatives aimed at enhancing employee engagement, such as promoting a supportive and fostering open communication channels between management and employees, can mitigate the occurrence and negative impacts of sexual harassment on employee performance. Continuous monitoring of engagement levels is crucial for sustaining positive work environments. Originality/value This study contributes to the existing literature by providing quantitative evidence of the relationship between sexual harassment and employee performance in the construction industry. By examining the mediating roles of psychological distress and employee engagement, the research offers a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying this relationship. The findings underscore the importance of addressing sexual harassment and promoting employee well-being to foster a safe and productive work environment in the construction industry.