Topic: Health
A recent survey found that workplace harassment and violence are still common in Canada. The survey showed that people continue to experience harassment and violence at high rates, with some groups being affected more than others.
A new survey conducted by researchers from the University of Western Ontario has found that workplaces in Canada are not getting safer for many people. The second national survey on harassment and violence at work was conducted between September and December 2025 and involved over 5,600 responses.
The survey examined three types of workplace harassment and violence: harassment and violence, sexual harassment and violence, and online harassment. One area where there was some improvement was in online harassment, which decreased by 7.4 percentage points from the previous year. However, other forms of harassment and violence continued to be a problem.
The survey found that people are still experiencing workplace harassment and violence at very high rates. In fact, the rate of harassment and violence has increased over the past few years, with 36.2% of respondents reporting some form of harassment or violence in 2026 compared to 30.7% in 2022.
The survey also found that certain groups are more affected by workplace harassment and violence than others. For example, Indigenous people reported the highest rates of harassment and violence overall, with 73.7% of respondents reporting some form of harassment or violence. Gender-diverse workers were also more likely to experience sexual harassment specifically.
The researchers who conducted the survey say that workplaces need to do more to address these issues. They argue that zero-tolerance policies are not enough and that organizations need to put in place practices and processes to prevent harassment and violence from happening in the first place.
Why It Matters
This issue matters because it affects many people in Canada, including students who may face similar challenges in their own workplaces or internships. Understanding these issues can also help us create a safer and more supportive work environment for everyone.
Key Facts
- A recent survey found that workplace harassment and violence are still common in Canada, with 36.2% of respondents reporting some form of harassment or violence in 2026.
- The survey involved over 5,600 responses and examined three types of workplace harassment and violence: harassment and violence, sexual harassment and violence, and online harassment.
- Certain groups are more affected by workplace harassment and violence than others, including Indigenous people and gender-diverse workers.
- Zero-tolerance policies are not enough to prevent harassment and violence in the workplace, according to the researchers who conducted the survey.
Key Terms
- Harassment
- Unwanted or unwelcome behavior that makes someone feel uncomfortable, scared, or threatened.
- Violence
- Physical or verbal aggression that can cause harm to a person's physical or emotional well-being.
Implications
This issue matters because it affects many people in Canada, including students who may face similar challenges in their own workplaces or internships. Understanding these issues can also help us create a safer and more supportive work environment for everyone.
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