Thai employers strengthen workplace action on violence and harassment

© ILO

© ILO

Bangkok (ILO News) – The Employers' Confederation of Thailand (ECOT), with support from the International Labour Organization (ILO)’s Decent Work Team and European Union-funded PROTECT project, has taken a further step to strengthen employers' capacity to prevent and address violence and harassment in the world of work through a two-day Training of Trainers programme held in Bangkok on 9–10 July. The programme brought together employer representatives from across Thailand to build practical skills for supporting enterprises to develop and implement effective workplace policies.

The training builds on ECOT's ongoing work to develop an employer policy statement on violence and harassment at work. Together, these initiatives demonstrate ECOT's commitment to supporting Thai employers in creating safe, respectful and inclusive workplaces while contributing to national dialogue on strengthening workplace protections. The Training of Trainers programme marks the next step by translating policy into practical support for enterprises.

The training placed particular emphasis on the business case for action. Violence and harassment can reduce productivity, increase absenteeism and staff turnover, weaken morale, consume management time and damage an enterprise’s reputation. For companies operating in domestic and global supply chains, poor workplace practices can also affect customer confidence, investor expectations, ESG performance and market access.

At the same time, employers face important legal and compliance responsibilities. Companies need clear policies, effective reporting and complaint-handling procedures, trained managers and timely action when allegations arise. A policy alone is not sufficient: enterprises must be able to demonstrate that it is understood, implemented and supported by credible workplace systems. The training therefore addressed both prevention and the practical management of complaints, including the potential legal, financial and reputational consequences of failing to respond appropriately.

“Preventing violence and harassment is not only about doing the right thing—it is also good (for) business. Respectful workplaces help companies attract and retain talented people, improve productivity, reduce legal and reputational risks, and meet the expectations of customers, investors and supply chain partners” said Siriwan Romchatthong, ECOT Secretary-General.

The programme also drew on international experience, including practical lessons from South Africa on implementing workplace measures consistent with the principles of ILO Convention No. 190. Participants developed action plans to deliver training to companies within their own sectors, helping to ensure that employer guidance translates into practical improvements in workplaces across Thailand.

Following the programme, participants will work with ECOT to deliver training and technical support to companies across Thailand. By building a national network of employer trainers, ECOT aims to help enterprises strengthen workplace policies, improve compliance and foster safer, more productive and more competitive workplaces.

© ILO

© ILO