Tenth of EU workers suffer harassment – and it’s on the increase, claims report

Date: 06/03/03

By Martin Banks

SOME 10% of employees in the EU experience physical or psychological harassment in the workplace, a new study reveals.

The report, by the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions, claims a similar percentage know colleagues who are victims of violence or intimidation.

Raymond-Pierre Bodin, director of the Dublin-based research agency, said workplace bullying was on the increase throughout member states.

Women in "high risk" jobs such as nursing, social work and teaching are particularly at risk from intimidation and psychological abuse, while men are more frequently exposed to physical assault, he added.

Such behaviour often goes unreported because victims fear being ostracised or losing their job.

The report also highlights the "significant negative financial and productivity implications of violence and harassment at work".

This is reflected in higher absenteeism rates, ill health and early retirement, high staff turnover and increased insurance premiums.

Some 10% of employees in the EU experience physical or psychological harassment in the workplace, a new study reveals. The report, by the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions, claims a similar percentage know colleagues who are victims of violence or intimidation.

http://www.eurofound.ie/publications/htmlfiles/ef02109.htm http://www.eurofound.ie/publications/htmlfiles/ef02109.htm

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