Reducing bullying boosts employee engagement and performance: a study among employees at the Sarawak Public Works Department / Pauline Bret, Yarina Ahmad and Kuldip Singh

Workplace bullying is becoming a widely recognised issue that can harm employee welfare and organisational efficiency, particularly in the public sector. This study examines the relationship between workplace bullying, employee engagement, and job performance among Sarawak Public Works Department support group staff. We distributed a standard questionnaire electronically and received 504 responses (258 females and 246 males). The study found a significant negative correlation between workplace bullying, employee engagement (r = -0.45, p < 0.01), and job performance (r = -0.50, p < 0.01). These findings highlight the importance of strong anti-bullying policies and employee engagement activities in public sector organisations, as these strategies are critical for improving job performance and organisational efficacy. The study emphasises that a supportive workplace reduces the adverse effects of bullying and positively increases individuals’ ability to contribute to organisational goals. To summarise, public sector managers and legislators must prioritise workplace bullying prevention and involvement. Organisations can foster a resilient workplace culture by emphasising these characteristics, improving employee well-being, and achieving organisational outcomes. Future research should better examine the long-term effects of bullying treatment and engagement activities to understand effective management strategies in public sector environments.