Nearly half of Aussie workers have experience with harassment

Australian workplaces have a long way to go in promoting diversity and inclusion, as a recent survey by recruitment company Hays revealed that nearly a half (45 per cent) of Australian professionals have experienced bullying or harassment at work due to gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation or disability.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg, with the figure rising to 64 per cent of people living with a disclosed disability, 58 per cent of people who identify as LGBTIQ+, 50 per cent of women and 50 per cent of mature-age people.

While less men reported this behaviour than women, the figure is still high at 37 per cent.

The survey of over 1,000 people across Australia and New Zealand found that 41 per cent of respondents took no action in relation to the bullying or harassment. A further 15 per cent of those who experienced this behaviour chose to leave the organisation rather than report it.

While some respondents raised the issue to HR, a team leader, supervisor or manager and it was resolved promptly to their satisfaction, this often involved mediation or the appointment of an investigator.

“Measures range from the formal letter of the law, sanctions and workplace guides to day-to-day awareness of leaders and managers and the behaviours of all employees,” Nick Deligiannis, managing director of Hays Australia & New Zealand said.

“However, given our findings, it seems that despite a growing awareness of the problem, more needs to be done to stop harassment and bullying at work – for all demographic groups.”

The recruitment company suggests employers familiarise themselves with anti-bullying laws and follow the correct procedures.

Free resources are available from Australia’s Fair Work Commission and Safe Work Australia.