Wed Nov 20 01:58:29 UTC 2024: ## Rio Tinto Workplace Bullying Rises Despite Culture Improvement Efforts
**London/Melbourne –** A new progress review reveals a concerning rise in workplace bullying at mining giant Rio Tinto, despite claims of cultural improvement. Thirty-nine percent of nearly 12,000 surveyed employees reported experiencing bullying in the past year, a significant increase from 31 percent in 2021. This follows a 2022 pledge by the company to address pervasive sexism and racism.
The report, commissioned by Rio Tinto and conducted by former Australian Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick, highlights a disproportionate impact on women. Half of female respondents reported bullying, compared to 36 percent of men. The increase in bullying against women is attributed, in part, to retaliation against efforts to promote gender diversity and inclusion.
While the percentage of respondents reporting sexual harassment remained unchanged from 2021 at 7 percent (16 percent of women and 4 percent of men), the number of reported sexual assaults and rape attempts rose from five to eight.
Despite these troubling statistics, a positive note emerged: half of employees reported an improvement in workplace culture, citing progress in addressing bullying, sexual harassment, and racism. The review also confirmed that 26 recommendations from a 2022 report had been largely implemented.
Rio Tinto CEO Jakob Stausholm expressed concern over the ongoing harmful behaviours but emphasized the company’s commitment to change. He stated that achieving sustained cultural change requires continued focus and effort. The report comes on the heels of a 2022 Western Australian parliamentary inquiry that highlighted widespread sexual harassment and assault in the mining sector.
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