One fifth of workers experience bullying in the workplace 

Having a safe space to work would seem to be a human right, but unfortunately this is not the experience for many. Workplace violence and harassment are significant problems in many industries and countries. According to a report by the International Labour Organization (ILO), approximately one in five workers around the world have experienced physical violence, harassment, or bullying in the workplace.  

This can have a significant impact on workers’ mental and physical health, as well as their job performance and satisfaction. It is important for employers and policymakers to take steps to prevent and address workplace violence and harassment, including developing clear policies and procedures, providing training to employees, and creating a safe and supportive work environment. 

The “Safe at Work? Global experiences of violence and harassment” report published by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation in 2019 provides a comprehensive analysis of the global prevalence and impact of workplace violence and harassment. The report is based on a survey of over 9,000 workers from 11 countries and across several industries, including healthcare, education, transportation, and manufacturing. 

The key findings of the report include:  

1. Workplace violence and harassment are pervasive issues that affect workers across industries and countries. The survey found that over half of the workers surveyed (55%) had experienced at least one form of violence or harassment in the past year. 
2. Women and younger workers are particularly vulnerable to workplace violence and harassment. The survey found that women were more likely than men to experience harassment, while younger workers were more likely than older workers to experience physical violence. 
3. Workplace violence and harassment have significant impacts on workers’ mental and physical health, as well as their job satisfaction and performance. The survey found that workers who experienced violence or harassment were more likely to report anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues, as well as physical health problems. 
4. There is a lack of awareness and support for victims of workplace violence and harassment. The survey found that many workers did not report their experiences or seek support, often due to fear of retaliation or a lack of confidence in the organization’s response. 
5. The report also provides recommendations for employers, policymakers, and regulators to address workplace violence and harassment, including developing clear policies and procedures, providing training to employees, and creating a culture of respect and inclusivity in the workplace.  

The report emphasizes the need for a coordinated and multi-stakeholder approach to addressing workplace violence and harassment to ensure that workers are safe and supported at work. 

Dr Sarah Cumbers, Director of Evidence and Insight at Lloyd’s Register Foundation, stated that the findings of the “Safe at Work? Global experiences of violence and harassment” report were a wake-up call for employers, policymakers, and regulators to take action to address workplace violence and harassment. She highlighted that the report revealed the significant prevalence and impact of workplace violence and harassment across multiple industries and countries and emphasized the need for a coordinated and multi-stakeholder approach to tackling this issue. 

Dr Cumbers also emphasized the importance of creating a culture of respect and inclusivity in the workplace, where workers are safe and supported, and can speak up about their experiences without fear of retaliation. She called on employers and policymakers to develop clear policies and procedures, provide training to employees, and ensure that victims of workplace violence and harassment are supported and receive appropriate care and treatment. 

Overall, Dr Cumbers’ statement underscored the urgency and importance of addressing workplace violence and harassment, and the need for collective action to create safe and supportive work environments for all workers. 

The report found that women were more likely than men to report experiencing harassment, while men were more likely than women to report experiencing physical violence. 

However, the report also highlighted that many workers, regardless of gender, did not report their experiences of workplace violence and harassment, often due to fear of retaliation or a lack of confidence in the organization’s response.  

Reducing bullying and harassment in the workplace requires a comprehensive approach that involves both prevention and response strategies.  Overall, reducing bullying and harassment in the workplace requires a proactive and ongoing effort from organizations, employees, and other stakeholders.  

By taking a comprehensive approach that includes prevention and response strategies, organizations can create a safe and supportive work environment for all employees. 

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