Preventing and Combating Workplace Harassment – a Prerequisite for Social Sustainability and Human Dignity in Employment Relationships

Abstract

Preventing and combating workplace harassment from a labor law perspective is a highly relevant topic for both employees and employers. The argument for this claim is based on the fact that ensuring a safe and respectful work environment is an essential prerequisite for social sustainability and the protection of human dignity. In the context of global systemic transformations - digitalization, the flexibilization of labor relations, and the expansion of remote work - the risks associated with abusive behavior are taking on new forms, including subtle or virtual manifestations, which affect organizational balance and social cohesion. Based on the international standards regarding violence and workplace harassment promoted by the International Labor Organization, as well as on the European legal framework on equal treatment and non-discrimination, the study highlights the employer’s obligation to establish effective mechanisms for prevention, intervention, and protection. Harassment is not merely an individual violation of an employee’s rights, but a phenomenon with systemic impact, leading to professional exclusion, social vulnerability, and economic losses. In this regard, labor law is analyzed as a tool for balancing economic efficiency and the protection of human dignity, contributing to the strengthening of organizational and community resilience. The integration of proactive policies to prevent harassment does not constitute an additional burden for employers, but rather an investment in sustainable social development and the long-term stability of labor relations. UDC: 005.958.2:331.104; JEL: K1, K2, J7, J8