One in four Belgians has encountered inappropriate gender-related situations in the workplace, according to a study published on Thursday by the Federation of Enterprises in Belgium (FEB).
The surveyed inappropriate situations included comments, looks, discrimination, inappropriate physical contact, and harassment.
Among the respondents, 15% reported being victims of gender-related inappropriate behaviour at work.
Nearly half (43%) of those who witnessed such behaviour did not react, often because someone higher up in the company was involved.
"Many witnesses prefer not to intervene, often out of fear or uncertainty about the repercussions. This once again shows that gender-related challenges are too often kept silent," said Elisabet Lenaerts, an advisor at FEB, in a statement.
However, 80% of the respondents said they feel they can be their true selves at work. Notably, older and heterosexual individuals were more likely to report this.
Nonetheless, around a fifth of respondents reported they adapt their behaviour to avoid comments about their gender expression.
Younger and non-heterosexual individuals were most likely to adjust their behaviour, such as altering their clothing or avoiding appearing too eccentric. Two-thirds of transgender individuals reported changing their behaviour.
The study also noted that men were more likely than women to believe that genders are treated equally.
"Gender-related challenges are common but remain subtle, often going unnoticed or being difficult to address," said Pieter Timmermans and Monica De Jonghe, CEO and General Director of the Federation. They both hope to "initiate dialogue in places where the subject is still too often stifled."
The online survey was conducted by the research firm iVox. It included data from 2,000 active Belgian workers and students between 25 September and 4 October 2024. Based on the survey results, five discussion sessions were organised by FEB.
