{"id":2824,"date":"2022-08-17T20:00:32","date_gmt":"2022-08-18T00:00:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/staging-citation-canada.hrdownloads.com\/?p=2824"},"modified":"2023-03-21T11:23:47","modified_gmt":"2023-03-21T15:23:47","slug":"to-prevent-workplace-violence-and-harassment-be-proactive","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging-site.citationcanada.com\/fr\/blog\/article\/to-prevent-workplace-violence-and-harassment-be-proactive\/","title":{"rendered":"To prevent workplace violence and harassment, be proactive"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The qualities of an ideal workplace, from company culture to management style, look different for everyone. But there\u2019s one characteristic that every worker wants and deserves from their workplace: a safe and respectful environment free from violence and harassment.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The topic of workplace violence and harassment isn\u2019t easy to discuss, but it\u2019s one we can\u2019t ignore. According to recent research, 71 percent of workers<\/a> have experienced at least one form of harassment, violence, or sexual harassment in their workplace.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite the prevalence of workplace violence and harassment, they often go unnoticed or unreported. This can mean that some employers may think violence and harassment don\u2019t exist at their workplace, so measures get put on the back burner until an incident is reported, leaving managers scrambling to investigate. Having a plan in place to respond to incidents is important, but it\u2019s also essential to take a proactive approach and consider how you can prevent workplace violence and harassment from happening in the first place.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are workplace violence and harassment?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The precise definitions of workplace violence and harassment vary by jurisdiction, so check the applicable legislation for your workplace. Generally, workplace violence is the use of physical force by or against a worker that either causes or could cause injury. It includes any attempt at violence and threats of violence.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Workplace harassment can include words, gestures, or actions that have a negative context, and deliberately harm a person\u2019s dignity or their physical or psychological well-being. Generally, if the person knows or should know that the behaviour is unwelcome, that behaviour is considered harassment.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Workplace violence and harassment can take on many forms.<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When we talk about violence and harassment, physical assault often comes to mind first. But because workplace violence and harassment encompass a range of behaviours and actions, employers can sometimes miss the signs. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some specific types of workplace violence and harassment include bullying, domestic violence, online harassment (including cyberbullying), and sexual harassment, among others.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n