Workplace Harassment in the Netherlands

Last year, about 1.2 million people experienced workplace harassment, such as bullying, discrimination and (sexual) harassment by colleagues or supervisors.This has to come to an end according to minister of Social Affairs and Employment Lodewijk Asscher.
Employees, who have been victimized, report in sick more often than an average of seven days per year. Besides the personal suffering for those involved, it will cost employers loads of money. TNO research institute calculated that it costs employers about 1.7 billion euros per year.
Therefore, at a conference on this issue in The Hague, Asscher started the campaign "Moet tochkunnen", meaning something like "There should be a way" against harassment at work. The fact that so many people faced harassment last year ''shows that this campaign is not a luxury", said the minister.
He also designated half a million eurosto a group of experts that can help the companies to tackle the problem. In addition, the Inspectorate will pay more attention by their controls. Workplace harassment is a major cause of stress at work, and is the number one occupational disease in the country.
The campaign mainly draws attention to the gray area between a joke and harassment, with the aim of initiating a conversation about manners in the workplace. Asscher said: ''No one is the same, what one considers a great joke, deprives another full pleasure in the work."
Unwanted behaviour is sometimes visible, but often involves subtle remarks or behaviour that is offensive. Awareness was raised in the campaign through posters and radio of situations such as the exclusion of colleagues, unwanted massages and innocently referred to nicknames presented to the public.

If an employee is sexually harassed in the workplace what procedure should be followed?

If you get sexually harassed at work, it is first important to talk about it. If this does not help, you can file a complaint or go to court.
It is important to tell the offender that you do not accept his behavior. Many people do not realize that their behavior is unwanted and quit as soon as it is said directly. If this does not help, talk to others about your situation such as your immediate supervisor.
If talking does not help, you can file a complaint. More and more companies have a special complaints procedure for sexual harassment. If that is not there, you can also file a complaint with your supervisor, to human resources, the management, the board, or your company. Then an investigation is often started.

You can take your complaint about your employer to the College of Human Rights. Your employer is obliged to protect you against sexual harassment. If the judge suspects that there is sexual harassment, your employer must show that your complaint is unfounded. For example, he must prove that he has done enough to prevent sexual harassment. If you do not want to sue your employer, but the person who is guilty of sexual harassment, you can take him/her to court. Also, you can sue your employer. For information and advice you can be assisted/represented by a legal adviser or a lawyer.

If you get sexually assaulted at work you must also file a complaint with the police. This is a criminal offense. For information and support, you can contact Victim Support Netherlands.

Source: http://www.nu.nl