Reasons for not making a complaint/
seeking support
Workers don’t complain or seek support for fear of the consequences (45%) or that the situation did not
warrant it (44%). Distrust in the system is also evident – 35% felt complaining would be ineffective due
to the workplace cultural norms, and 28% distrusted their employer to handle it correctly. A lack of
reporting mechanisms is also evident.
REASONS FOR NOT MAKING A COMPLAINT OR SEEKING SUPPORT
Any negative impact
Large or extremely negative impact
45
Concern that reporting would affect me negatively (Nett)
I was concerned about the impact that reporting the issue would
have on my job or career
29
8
I was worried about my wellbeing
8
I or someone else had a negative experience after they complained
43
16
12
Behaviour was not serious enough to escalate, or ended (Nett)
44
25
I dealt with it myself
16
I did not think it was serious enough
4
0
22
21
9
The behaviour stopped and has not happened again
I didn’t care enough/knew I was leaving
47
29
I was concerned that reporting the issue would make the situation
worse
10
1
It was accepted behaviour in the company or would not change if I
complained (Nett)**
35
I felt it would make no difference
34
Accepted norm/common/is embedded in the company/
happens to everyone
I did not think the incident would be kept confidential
47
47
1
0
28
My complaint would not be handled appropriately (Nett)
I felt I would not be believed or supported
64
18
16
31
44
Bisexual workers (40%)
Women (32%, vs 24%
of men)
Pacific workers (32%)
23
**Also includes: company doesn’t care (<1%)
Base: Respondents who were impacted by sexual harassment, racial harassment, or bullying in the workplace and did not make a formal
complaint and/or seek advice – any impact (1,106), large or extremely negative impact (332)
Q31d Why did you not seek support or advice, or make a formal complaint?
KANTAR PUBLIC 2022
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