A recent data analysis published by Statistics Canada sheds light on the prevalence of harassment and sexual assault in Canadian workplaces, revealing concerning trends regarding employers’ duty to protect their workers.
The analysis, stemming from the 2020 survey on sexual misconduct at work, delves deeper into the experiences of Canadian workers, including marginalized groups and young workers. Shockingly, nearly three in 10 women and two in 10 men reported experiencing harassment or sexual assault at work in the 12 months leading up to the survey. This marks an alarming increase compared to data from 2016, indicating a growing issue.
Inappropriate sexualized behavior emerged as the most common form of harassment, with 44% of women and 29% of men reporting such incidents. This includes verbal and non-verbal communication, behavior related to sexually explicit materials, and unwanted physical contact or suggested sexual relations. Additionally, 13% of women and 3% of men reported experiencing sexual assault at work.
The analysis, a collaboration between the Centre for Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Statistics and the Canadian Centre for Justice and Community Safety Statistics, aimed to explore the demographics of those experiencing harassment. Marginalized groups, including disabled workers and individuals identifying as indigenous or part of the LGBTQ+ community, were found to be disproportionately affected. Particularly alarming is the high incidence of harassment among LGB women, with three-quarters reporting harassment or sexual assault at work.
Young workers under 35 also face higher rates of harassment compared to older counterparts, with women aged 25 to 34 being particularly vulnerable. The report highlights the urgent need for comprehensive action to address workplace harassment and violence, with recommendations including strengthening laws, enhancing workplace policies and programs, and providing better training.
In Ontario, employers are required to develop and implement policies and programs to address workplace violence and harassment, including measures for reporting and investigating incidents. The Workers Health & Safety Centre offers a three-hour Workplace Violence and Harassment training program designed to help workplaces meet these legal requirements, equipping workers with the knowledge and skills needed to develop effective policies and programs, conduct risk assessments, and provide essential training.