Workplace harassment and violence remain pervasive across Canada despite some modest improvements, according to a national survey from Western University's Center for Research and Education on Violence Against Women and Children (CREVAWC) and the Canadian Labor Congress.
The follow-up survey, the second comprehensive assessment of its kind in Canada, documents that hostile work environments persist as a widespread problem. The research team, led by CREVAWC researchers, found continuing patterns of harassment and violent incidents affecting Canadian workers across multiple sectors and employment types.
The findings reveal mixed progress. While some metrics show improvement compared to earlier benchmarks, the overall prevalence of workplace harassment and violence indicates that Canadian workplaces have not substantially transformed their safety culture. The survey captures incidents ranging from verbal abuse and intimidation to physical assault and sexual harassment, demonstrating the breadth of hostile behaviors workers encounter on the job.
CREVAWC partnered with the Canadian Labor Congress, which represents nearly 3 million Canadian workers, to ensure the survey reached diverse employment populations and reflected real workplace experiences. This collaboration strengthens the survey's credibility and scope, moving beyond academic inquiry to address labor movement concerns.
The research holds practical significance for policymakers, employers, and workers' advocates. The persistent prevalence of harassment and violence suggests current prevention strategies and reporting mechanisms remain inadequate. The survey data provides evidence-based documentation that can inform workplace policy reforms, training initiatives, and legal protections.
Limitations include potential underreporting of incidents, as workers may hesitate to disclose harassment due to fear of retaliation or concerns about job security. Survey respondents may not represent all worker populations equally, particularly those in precarious employment or undocumented positions. The snapshot nature of survey data captures a moment in time rather than tracking individual experiences across years.
The research underscores that eliminating workplace harassment and violence requires sustained commitment beyond awareness campaigns. CREV