29 per cent of Quebec workers have witnessed workplace harassment over past year: CRHA

More than 4 in 10 have been victims at some point in their career

More than one-quarter (29 per cent) of Quebec workers have witnessed intimidation or harassment in their workplace over the last year, according to a survey by the Ordre des conseillers en ressources humaines agréés (CRHA).

When respondents were asked if they themselves had been victims of harassment or intimidation, 42 per cent reported that they had had to cope with this problem at least once in their career. This figure rose to 50 per cent among employees with annual household incomes of over $100,000, found the survey.

"The situation is cause for concern. Quebec workers are entitled to a healthy work environment free from intimidating behaviour that could be detrimental to their self-respect or physical or psychological integrity. It's up to employers to introduce practices that provide such an environment," said Martine Drolet, chair of the board of directors at CRHA.

Harassment can not only have serious consequences for individuals, but it can also generate costs for organizations. Some 30 per cent of respondents who suffered from intimidation at some time in their career admitted staying away from work for this reason. As well as absenteeism, harassment also leads to presenteeism which is costly for organizations, said CRHA.

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