One in every five employees faces workplace harassment, states ILO report

The latest report from the International Labour Organisation has disclosed that more than 20% of people in the workforce have encountered violence or harassment.

Titled ‘Preventing and addressing violence and harassment in the world of work through occupational safety and health measures,’ the report emphasizes the utilization of Occupational Safety and Health frameworks to tackle the underlying causes of violence and harassment and promote collective action for improved work environments.

Occupational Safety and Health measures are highlighted by the ILO as essential in establishing an all-encompassing, integrated, and gender-responsive approach to prevent and eradicate violence and harassment in the workplace.

The issue of violence and harassment is not limited to specific workplaces, as it can also transpire during commutes, work-related trips, events, digital communications, social activities, and home-based offices,” the report points out.

OSH frameworks address the root causes of violence and harassment by handling underlying risks like inadequate work organization, task-related factors, and working conditions that generate high-stress levels, leading to violence and harassment.

The ILO explains that occupational safety and health frameworks, rooted in workplace cooperation and social dialogue, engage both employers and employees to develop violence and harassment-free work environments.

According to the study, approximately two-thirds of all legal provisions on workplace violence and harassment in the 25 countries examined were incorporated in OSH legislation and regulations.

The report further states that OSH policies offer more comprehensive details in delineating preventive strategies and defining the roles and responsibilities of employers and employees compared to other regulatory approaches.

The report advocates for the implementation of practical tools, training programs, and tailored guidelines for businesses and workplaces to effectively enforce violence and harassment policies.

The ILO claims that these tools elucidate the necessary steps to execute interventions addressing violence and harassment and aid in conducting intricate tasks such as workplace risk assessments.

This report is released as part of a research project titled ‘Practical guidance and tools to prevent and address violence and harassment in the world of work: An OSH perspective,’ jointly funded by the European Commission and the ILO.