One-Third of German Workers Report Psychological Abuse at Work

A new survey highlights widespread workplace violence, with women and healthcare employees most affected.

A survey by the German Statutory Accident Insurance (DGUV) found that 33% of workers with frequent customer or patient contact experienced verbal abuse in the past year.
Common forms of abuse include insults (32%), mockery or defamation (12%), and threats or blackmail (7%), with 6% reporting sexualized psychological harassment.
Women are disproportionately affected, with 41% experiencing abuse compared to 32% of men, particularly in cases of sexualized harassment and verbal insults.
Healthcare, social services, and public administration workers are the most impacted, with over half reporting at least one incident of verbal abuse.
Experts emphasize the role of workplace culture in addressing violence and recommend measures like de-escalation training and psychological support to protect employees.