Written by REES;
In July 2021, Statistics Canada released a report with important information for post-secondary institutions about workplace harassment and sexual harassment specifically.
- 34% of women and 22% of men employed at post-secondary institutions experience some form of harassment in the preceding 12 months.
- Women faculty and researchers are 1.5 times more likely than men to experience workplace harassment.
- 7% of women reported unwanted sexual attention or harassment, and 4% indicate there were two or more incidents.
- Among PhD students and Doctoral Fellows, 66% indicated the perpetrator was in a position of power.
Productivity losses encompass several issues, including reduced productivity while at work due to a hostile work environment and low morale, workplace absences, turnover, and the cost of handling internal sexual harassment complaints.
“Stakeholders also identified under reporting and insufficient data on workplace harassment and violence as major issues that should be addressed in a new regime. They also agreed that to reduce workplace harassment and violence and speed up resolution, data should be collected to track results, and privacy of the data collected must be ensured.”[1]
Through an online reporting platform tailored to post-secondary institutions’ needs, REES provides institutions with the ability to offer increased options for supporting employees while gathering critical data and critical insights on workplace harassment and violence.
Multiple reporting options reduce barriers for employees to come forward about sexual harassment, misconduct and assault. Statistics, personal accounts and other forms of research demonstrate the dire need for change at post-secondary institutions.
Staff, faculty and students deserve to work and learn in an environment free from sexual violence.
[1] Darcy Hango, Statistics Canada. “Harassment and discrimination among faculty and researchers in Canada’s postsecondary institutions.” July, 2021.
