Business events sector takes a stand against workplace harassment

The business events sector has taken a stand against harassment in the workplace, with a new initiative titled Not In My Workplace. On 21 February, there will be an inaugural NIMW summit, taking place in the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC). The event will bring together a collection of influential government, senior executives and thinkers to address the issue of workplace harassment and abuse across all industries. Melbourne Convention Bureau CEO Karen Bolinger commented: “The Summit will provide a valuable opportunity to address how we answer the question ‘what can I do’ and critically, the actions we can take to stamp out sexual harassment in the workplace. “As leaders, we have a duty of care to ensure our employees are safe, and the culture we foster will not tolerate this behaviour.” Sexual harassment cases continue to increase in Australia, with the 4th National Inquiry on Sexual Harassment in Australian Workplaces highlighting one in three Australian workers have been sexually harassed at work over the last five years. PCMA has also released new findings revealing 80% of respondents had experienced some form of on-the-job sexual harassment. Concerningly, it also found nearly 75% of those event professionals didn’t report the problem. Bolinger added: “The meetings and events industry represent the perfect storm when it comes to sexual harassment. In our industry, we are in a vulnerable position with unusual hours, alcohol and an environment that is not so structured.” Through the establishment of NIMW, it is hoped the conversation shifts from ‘awareness to action’ in addressing the issues of sexual harassment. #NotInMyWorkplace Summit will be held at 12pm – 6.30pm, Thursday 21 February 2019 at Goldfields Theatre in the MCEC. Tickets are on sale now.