The effect of nurses' perceived workplace incivility on their presenteeism and turnover intention: The mediating role of work stress and psychological resilience

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to determine the effects of nurses' perceived workplace incivility on nurses' presenteeism and turnover intention and to reveal the mediating role of work stress and psychological resilience in the possible impact. Background: Nurses directly contribute to the treatment of patients. The problems nurses encounter in the workplace can negatively affect nurses' attitudes towards work. Therefore, the problems faced by nurses should be determined. Methods: This study complies with the STROBE checklist. This cross-sectional survey was conducted with 302 nurses working in a university hospital in the Konya province of Turkey. Data were collected in May–July 2021. The questionnaire consisted of six parts: sociodemographic characteristics form, workplace incivility scale, psychological resilience scale, work stress scale, turnover intention scale and presenteeism scale. The data were analysed using descriptive statistical methods and partial least-squares path analysis. Results: It was determined that workplace incivility positively and significantly affected turnover intention, presenteeism and work stress. In contrast, it negatively and significantly affected psychological resilience. In addition, psychological resilience played a mediating role in the effect of workplace incivility on presenteeism. Conclusion: The results reveal that the behaviours of incivility encountered by nurses in the workplace increase their presenteeism and turnover intention, and work stress further strengthens these effects. The psychological resilience of nurses is a factor that can help them eliminate their negative emotions and attitudes. Therefore, it is recommended that nursing and health managers first identify the stress factors in the workplace and be determined to fight them. In addition, organizing training and providing psychological support to increase nurses' psychological resilience may enable nurses to develop more positive feelings about their jobs and workplaces. Implications for nursing and health policy: Nursing and health managers must determine workplace incivility behaviours and inform all employees about these behaviours, their consequences and how to deal with such incivility. In addition, nursing and health managers must determine the stress factors in the workplace and be adamant about combating these factors. In addition, nursing and health managers must give importance to training that will increase the psychological resilience of nurses.