This article is calling on the government to do a better job regarding how workplace violence and
harassment is being addressed. According to a recent report, 43% of the respondents believe that senior
management does not recognize that workplace violence and harassment is priority and 39% of the
respondents expressed their concerns that both the city of Ottawa and the leadership at their workplace
are not committed to a safe and respectful and healthy workplace for employees as workplace violence
is and harassment is not given the serious attention that it deserves.
Employees however do not feel comfortable reporting these workplace violence and harassment
because of lack of trust in management as they believe that no action would be taken, and some are also
fearful of the impact of the reputation of the affected colleague. Employees are also fearful of the
impact on their career advancement if they make such report and retaliation.
In order to curb this growing menace, it has been recommended that organizations develop a cooperate
strategy for the prevention of workplace violence and harassment, supplement employee training with
materials and tools, develop dedicated workplace violence training for managers and restructure
internal investigation structure.
In conclusion, workplace violence and harassment have a serious impact on Canadian businesses and
should not be tolerated in any workplace whatsoever, maintaining a respectful workplace culture , put in
place preventive measures and responding promptly to incidence of workplace violence and harassment
can create and safe and healthy workplace environment for employees.
https://www.hcamag.com/ca/specialization/employment-law/why-employers-need-to-take-workplaceviolence-seriously/459726