Workplace violence and harassment has cost nine Sri Lankan businesses surveyed 1.7 million US dollars in work hours lost, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) said.

“The impacts of workplace violence and harassment has led to the loss of six working days per employee every year, costing the nine Sri Lankan companies surveyed at least $1.7 million, according to a new report by IFC,” the orgainsation said in a statement on Thursday(15).

The study ‘Business Case for Creating Respectful Workplaces in Sri Lanka’—under the Women in Work partnership between IFC and the Australian government—highlights that three out of every five people surveyed experienced some form of workplace violence or harassment, while nearly one out of five people felt unsafe at work.

Employees of the nine companies surveyed across genders and age groups reported they were impacted by bullying, sexual harassment, or online violence. Employees with a disability were more likely to experience all forms of workplace violence. The study found that sexual harassment and online violence tended to be underreported forms of workplace violence, the IFC said.

“Workplace violence and harassment is universal, affecting all countries, occupations, and work arrangements. For businesses to successfully deliver their missions and goals, an inclusive workplace culture is a must,” the statement quoted Acting Country Manager for IFC in Sri Lanka and Maldives Victor Antonypillai as saying.

“The IFC report clearly spells out the economic impacts of workplace violence and harassment. Given the present economic context, Sri Lankan businesses cannot ignore them. We hope that the recommendations from the report will promote Sri Lankan companies to create safe and respectful workplaces,” he said.

According to the IFC statement, the report recommends the need for Sri Lankan businesses to adopt policies and implement good practices to proactively address workplace violence and harassment. The importance of managing risks of online violence—an emerging workplace issue—as well as encouraging staff to use available support in the community has also been highlighted. The report also recommends steps to improve workplace diversity and inclusion, the statement said.

Over 1,600 employees from nine Sri Lankan companies representing different industries, including manufacturing, banking and finance, fast-moving consumer goods, and tourism, were surveyed for the report. Extensive discussions were also held with business stakeholders, trade unions, employee rights’ activists, and the Sri Lanka police.

Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Paul Stephens was quoted as saying: “With this latest study, we want to encourage more Sri Lankan businesses to introduce better workplace practices that support employees affected by violence and harassment. Creating respectful workplaces that are free from all forms of violence and harassment is vital for Sri Lanka to achieve inclusive and sustainable growth.”

The findings have been used to develop tools and resources to help companies prevent and address violence and harassment in workplaces. The report also reiterates the importance of employers’ measures to tackle these issues, including through implementing measures which are consistent with International Labour Organization Convention 190 on Violence and Harassment.