Reports of workplace bullying in 2024 have decreased compared to the previous year, according to Belgium's external service for workplace prevention and protection, Idewe. However, reports of assault and sexual harassment are on the rise.
Among 27,563 surveyed workers in Belgium, 9.5% experienced bullying weekly in the past six months. This is down from 11.3% in 2023.
Although the total number of reports of psychosocial distress increased by 3% in 2024, this is significantly lower than the 22% rise in 2023.
The most common forms of bullying have remained consistent, according to Idewe. These include withholding information that complicates work (5.4%), gossiping (5.2%), and exclusion from group activities or by colleagues (2.2%).
Insults (1.5%) and jokes or unpleasant surprises (1%) were also frequently reported. Unwanted and abusive behaviours slightly decreased from 17.8% in 2023 to 16.5% in 2024.
Assault and sexual harassment on the rise
Conversely, there was a 7% increase in reports of assault and a 10% rise in complaints of sexual harassment at work.
"We are pleased to see a decline in bullying reports, but there is still much work to be done, and some figures are concerning," said David De Ridder, Head of Psychosocial Aspects at Idewe.
"That's why we continue to emphasise this subject to encourage the downward trend in the future, focusing on compassionate communication, mutual respect of values, and personal contact between colleagues."
