Harassment at work increased by 40%: psychologists, consultants and lawyers on the front line
Workplace harassment has increased 40% nationwide, according to data presented by the Order of Psychologists of the Marche. This worrying increase was the central theme of the event held at the Hotel Concorde in Cameranodedicated to gender discrimination and harassment in work contexts.
The meeting, organized by the Order of Psychologists of the Marche, the Order of Labor Consultants of Ancona and the AGI (Italian Employment Lawyers) Marche, saw the participation of numerous experts in the sector. Among the participants in the event the mayor of Camerano, Oriano Mercantethe lawyer Anna Maria RepiceEqual Opportunities Commissioner of the Marche Region, Gabriella De Chiaralabor consultant of the Labor Consultants Study Center of Ancona, the lawyer Corinna BiondiAGI Marche member, and Dr Federica Guerciopsychologist, psychotherapist and President of the CPO Order of Psychologists of the Marche.
Word to the experts
Katia Marilungopresident of the Order of Psychologists of the Marche, highlighted the seriousness of the situation: “Many women have suffered physical contact in work contexts, appreciation of their body, provocations. They are often afraid to talk about it, there is an underwater world that needs to emerge. The awareness-raising that we want to do with employment consultants and lawyers aims to make the problem evident also to those who manage institutions and companies“.
During the meeting, psychologists, labor consultants and labor law lawyers have examined the laws hey codes of conduct to be adopted in working contexts, as well as the emotional and psychological impact of gender discrimination and harassment on victims. Carlo Nicolinipresident of AGI Marche, underlined the importance of the topic in the organizational context of work, indicating that respect for discipline conditions many work activities and that the power of the union is shifting towards the prevention of discriminatory effects.
Anna Maria Repice added that the Equal Opportunities Commission is also working on the education of high school students, so that they become promoters of respect for the female figure among younger people. “We care about creating culture because the way we relate to each other in terms of language and behavior needs to change,” Repice said.
Roberto Di Iulio, president of the Order of Labor Consultants of Ancona, highlighted the crucial role of the consultant within companies. “The consultant is a fundamental figure for companies because he collaborates with the employer to also resolve conflict issues with employees. We must raise awareness among employers to pay attention to signs of violence, which can occur both from the employer to employees and between employees themselves.”
The organizers reiterated the importance of interprofessional collaboration to combat the phenomenon of harassment in the workplace, promoting a culture of respect and gender equality. Among the concrete proposals that emerged from the meeting are the creation of listening and support desks for victims And the adoption of more rigorous company policies against harassment.
