Traliant, a leader in online compliance training, has announced its inaugural 2025 State of Workplace Harassment Report. Compiled from a survey of over 2,000 full-time employees in the U.S., the study assesses the reality of workplace harassment and worker opinions on how their employers are prioritizing harassment prevention. Most notably, the survey reveals employees are being exposed to harassment at alarming rates over the last five years—nearly half (46%) of respondents report that they have witnessed workplace harassment happen to another employee and nearly one in four (24%) say they have been the target of workplace harassment themselves.
A complex web of factors influences workplace harassment, including how employees perceive, respond to, and report different experiences. As the workforce continues to evolve, employers need to ensure they are providing the resources employees need to create safer workplaces with zero-tolerance for workplace harassment.
The report uncovers additional areas where employers need to address critical gaps in workplace harassment prevention and reporting, including the following.
- More than half (52%) of Gen Z employees report witnessing workplace harassment happen to another employee in the past five years, compared to just 33% of baby boomers.
- Only 51% of respondents say they would report an incident of harassment if they had to use their name.
- Nearly half (49%) would not report harassment at all if there were not anonymous reporting channels or due to fears of retaliation, worries of reputational harm, or lack of awareness on internal processes.
- Nearly one-third (32%) of women report that they are not very, or at all, satisfied with the outcomes of how their employer handles reports of harassment, compared to 20% of men.
“The survey findings present an alarming picture for employers who want to create positive work environments where employees can bring their best selves to work,” says Michael Johnson, chief strategy officer at Traliant. “By prioritizing workplace harassment prevention and giving employees the resources and tolls they need, employers can demonstrate their commitment to employee well-being and better protect individuals from unlawful misconduct.”