The construction sector is highly exposed to the phenomenon of harassment according to a survey

While the phenomenon of harassment at work (particularly sexual harassment and cyberbullying) is particularly present in the construction sector, the victims often find themselves in a situation of isolation and the perpetrators of harassment are even supported by witnesses.

The results of the major survey carried out by Qualisocial, a major player in occupational health, with IPSOS, make it possible to quantify the extent of the phenomenon in the field.

Witnesses of harassment not knowing how to react in the sector, the phenomenon is passed over in silence.

40% of men in the construction sector do not feel supported during a harassment situation
41% of employees say they have witnessed harassment at work
28% of employees have already been victims of harassment
76% consider that situations of harassment are frequent in the company where they work

For Camy Puech, founding president of Qualisocial: “The construction sector is highly exposed to the phenomenon of harassment. Employees need to be made aware of this, so that the perpetrators know that their behavior is harassment, but also that they know the limits and explain to employees how to react as a witness or victim. People shouldn't think that bullying only comes from people who are malicious by nature. »

Harassment very present but extremely taboo

The proportion of men who do not feel supported during a harassment situation is much higher than in other sectors:

21% all sectors combined
40% in the construction sector
2 times more victims in isolation situations

Situations of harassment in front of witnesses

In the construction sector, women who claim to have been victims of harassment are often in the presence of fellow witnesses:

48% all sectors combined
54% in the construction sector

Moreover, the majority of witnesses supported the harasser:

16% all sectors combined
35% in the construction sector
More than 2 times more situations where the author is supported

Senior managers, main perpetrators of harassment

The proportion of harassment cases perpetrated by a senior manager:

19% all sectors combined
31% in large construction groups
+12% of senior author authors

Senior managers are thus the leading perpetrators of harassment in the construction sector, while they are in 1rd position in all sectors (behind the direct superior and work colleagues).