A recent study has uncovered alarming statistics showing that over 25% of women have encountered harassment in the workplace, with one in seven reporting instances of unwanted sexual behavior. In the last five years, 27% of women and 16% of men have experienced harassment, leading to 16% of individuals contemplating leaving their jobs due to such issues. The presence of threatening behavior has left half of the surveyed employees feeling that companies should do more to ensure staff safety, with 82% emphasizing the importance of having a convenient system to report problems near their workplace.
Efforts are being made by UK companies to address harassment and adhere to the Workers’ Protection Act. WalkSafe, a personal safety app, conducted a survey with Opinium involving 2,000 workers and has introduced a new anonymous reporting feature called WalkSafe Pro Prevent. This tool enables employees to voice concerns securely and prevent situations from escalating.
Emma Kay, the founder of WalkSafe, emphasized the urgency of addressing workplace harassment, particularly for women. She highlighted the importance of creating an environment where workers feel comfortable reporting incidents without fear of judgment. Notably, workers in Leeds, Edinburgh, and Cardiff were identified as the most common targets of workplace harassment, with a significant portion not reporting incidents due to fear of repercussions or disbelief.
The research indicated widespread support for anonymous reporting mechanisms, with over half of respondents feeling safer with this option. Additionally, a majority expressed willingness to report inappropriate behavior if such a system were in place. The implementation of safety apps for reporting concerns was well-received, especially among younger employees.
WalkSafe is launching an anonymous reporting tool within its app to provide a secure platform for employees to report harassment or bullying without concerns of retaliation. This initiative aims to assist companies in complying with recent legislation while fostering a culture that prioritizes employee well-being and safety. The tool also offers HR managers and organizations early insights into potential workplace harassment issues, allowing for proactive resolution and prevention of formal complaints, thus averting negative publicity and legal implications.
The WalkSafe app, designed to enhance personal safety, offers valuable information on crime in the area, particularly during darker evenings, sourced from law enforcement agencies and local authorities. Following a tragic incident in March 2021, where the app witnessed a surge in downloads from 2,000 to 300,000 after the murder of Sarah Everard in Clapham, south London.
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