Violence & harassment at workplaces: GEA moves
IN 2022, the Ghana Employers’ Association (GEA) with the support of the Bureau for Employers ‘Activities of the International Labour Organization (ACTEMP of ILO) developed a practical guide to assist its members with how to address, prevent and respond to issues of violence and harassment at their workplaces.
The GEA has been organizing sensitization workshops for its members in the Ashanti, Western and soon the Greater Accra regions in order to facilitate the effective implementation of the guide.
The first training workshop on the guide held in Kumasi on September 20, 2023 pooled the Chief Executive Officers, HR practitioners, Employee Relations Managers and Supervisors of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) who were sensitized on the newly developed guide aimed at addressing issues of violence and harassment at the workplace.
Empowering Employers
In his opening remarks, Mr. Kingsley Laar, an Economist and Research Officer with the GEA indicated that employers have a responsibility to ensure that their companies are free of violence and harassment, not only because of their duty of care towards the workforce but also because the issue can have a very negative impact on the company’s productivity, and reputation.
He further emphasized that workplace violence and harassment come in various forms, including verbal abuse, physical aggression, discrimination, and sexual harassment, and that these behaviours can create a toxic work environment that has detrimental effects on employees’ mental and physical health, as well as the overall performance of businesses.
Mr. Laar highlighted that the GEA, recognizing the significance of the issue, collaborated with the Bureau of Employers Activities of the ILO to develop practical tools and strategies for Ghanaian employers to help them prevent and eliminate all forms of violence and harassment at the enterprise levels.
He emphasized that the guide reflects Ghanaian laws and legislation including the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), Labour Regulations, 2007 (LI 1833), Labour (Domestic Workers) Regulations, 2020 (LI 2408), Criminal and Other Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), Domestic Violence Act, 2007 (Act 732), Whistleblowers Act, 2006 (Act 720), and Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038).
He admonished employers to ensure that their workplaces are not only legally compliant but also respectful, inclusive, and conducive for higher productivity.
Lauding the GEA for the workshop, a Senior Employers’ Specialist of the Bureau for Employers’ Activities of the ILO, Ms. Julie Kazagui referred to a survey conducted in 2021-2022 by the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations in Ghana which found that 72% of the workforce in Ghana were found to have experienced one form of violence and harassment at the workplace.
She further indicated that the report revealed that nearly half of all victims were wage employees, indicating that wage employees are twice as exposed to violence and harassment compared to the self-employed.
According to Ms. Julie, the workshop exemplified the commitment of GEA and ILO to fostering a culture of respect and safety within the workplace, as well as equipping employers with the knowledge and tools necessary to prevent workplace violence and harassment.
She commended the GEA for its leadership and commitment to ensuring that all workplaces get rid of issues of violence and harassment.
Workshop Highlights
The workshop, which was facilitated by Ms. Bernice Sam, a lawyer and expert in gender diversity and inclusion, was an engaging and informative event designed to empower employers with actionable knowledge and best practices. The main highlights included:
Interactive discussions
Participants engaged in lively discussions on the nuances of workplace violence and harassment, sharing their insights and concerns.
Practical insights
Experts and facilitators provided practical insights into risk assessment, prevention, and effective reporting mechanisms.
Real-world case studies
Employers had the opportunity to examine real-world case studies, showcasing successful prevention and response strategies employed by organizations.
Networking opportunities
Employers were encouraged to network and exchange ideas with their peers, creating a valuable community of support.
A brighter future together
Participants left the workshop with a renewed sense of purpose and determination. Armed with the knowledge gained from the workshop and the comprehensive guide, these employers are now better prepared to champion safe and respectful workplaces.
This collaborative effort by GEA and ILO underscores the importance of partnerships and collective action in addressing critical workplace issues. Together, employers can build a future where every individual feels secure, respected, and empowered in their workplace.
