National survey to gather data on bullying and harassment in built environment sector

A new survey collecting anonymous data on the prevalence and impact of sexual harassment and bullying in the Australian architecture and built environment sector has launched.

The Stop Harassment and Bullying Survey was announced by Parlour on 5 November. The survey objective is to discern the extent to which occurrences of bullying and sexual harassment may be prevalent within built environment professions, as well as the types of proactive and reactive support available. It is the first industry-wide scholarly survey to examine harassment and bullying among built environment professions in Australia.

The launch of the survey comes after the Positive Duty legislation was introduced into Australia's Sex Discrimination Act in December 2022. Under the legislation, every employer is obliged to prevent workplace sexual harassment, sex discrimination and victimisation through proactive measures, rather than simply reactive actions.

Co-founder of Parlour Justine Clark stated that one incident of harassment or bullying was "one too many." She added, "At the moment we have little data about the extent of the problem, but an increasing number of stories have been reported to Parlour over time, across many communication channels. These swell whenever there is a discussion of harassment or bullying on Parlour's social media or editorial program."

"Informal individual stories - while heard - are not enough to effect change and, understandably, few individuals are prepared to discuss these issues publicly. There is also plenty of evidence in other fields that those who make a complaint most often bear the cost. This is borne out by the experiences of those in the built environment professions who have spoken with us."

Current or historical architectural and built environment professionals are eligible to take part in the survey, which comprises four sections: demographic questions; general enquiries about current prevalence of sexual harassment and bullying within the broader built environment profession; a section for sharing specific (current or historic) harrassment and bullying experiences, and lastly, questions concerning workplace and industry policies, procedures and the support available before and and after an event is reported.

"There is strong interest from key professional bodies to work together to develop industry-wide strategies to prevent sexual harassment and bullying and to support those experiencing it. This survey is an important start," Clark said.

The anonymous survey will be conducted by both Parlour and Dr Gill Matthewson of Melbourne's Monash University, with results to be collated and published.

The Stop Harassment and Bullying Survey will close on 22 November 2024. Visit here to access.