Codes of conduct against workplace violence and harassment: the new frontier for safer, more responsible companies.

How company policies can prevent and combat harassment, promoting respect and inclusiveness in the workplace.

Workplace harassment is one of the most serious and pervasive problems in professional environments, with devastating effects on employees' mental health, wellbeing and productivity: according to the latest Istat report covering 2022-2023, around 2 million women have suffered some form of workplace harassment. In recent years, many companies have become aware of this reality and have decided to adopt codes of conduct against workplace harassment, as an integral part of their social-responsibility and human-resources policies. The aim is to guarantee a working environment based on mutual respect and personal dignity, on inclusiveness and the appreciation of diversity, in which everyone feels safe and comfortable.

But what is a code of conduct?

A code of conduct is a specific, detailed document that translates a company's moral principles, values and core beliefs into concrete, practical actions. It is an essential document for building an ethical and responsible corporate culture.

And how should a code of conduct for preventing and combating violence and harassment in the workplace be structured in order to be useful, effective and respected?

First, it is necessary that it be drafted in clear, understandable language and be easily accessible and available to all staff.

The code of conduct must be able to provide a specific definition of workplace violence and harassment and to identify and categorise the conduct that constitutes them, going beyond merely abstract scenarios. It must also provide for adequate reporting procedures through which a worker can report incidents they have suffered or witnessed. Any report must be followed by a thorough, careful investigation which, in the event that responsibility is established, will lead to more or less severe sanctions depending on the seriousness of the conduct. Consistency in applying sanctions is essential to ensure the code is taken seriously, and the consequences and sanctions arising from breaches of the code must be clearly stated and known so that they can fulfil their deterrent function.

The introduction of codes of conduct within companies must also be accompanied by training and awareness-raising activities: these are crucial to ensuring all employees understand the company's anti-harassment policies and know how to behave in problematic situations; they are also essential for keeping attention on these issues high.

Adopting codes of conduct against workplace harassment is not merely a response to legal and compliance requirements, but also a fundamental step towards building a healthy, safe and respectful working environment. Companies that invest in these policies not only protect their employees, but also improve their reputation and overall performance, and avoid costly litigation. In a world that increasingly demands responsibility and attention to worker wellbeing, adopting a code of conduct against harassment is a winning strategic choice for companies seeking to build a positive, sustainable future.

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