Prevention is better than cure. That is why we are trying to create awareness with this document. Unfortunately, despite our efforts to prevent, you may still be confronted with inappropriate and/or unacceptable behaviour. In that case, it is important that you know what you can do. That is why we have written it down for you in this protocol.

To get straight to the point: we do not accept aggression, (sexual) intimidation, discrimination, bullying, physical and verbal abuse and other inappropriate and/or unacceptable behaviour - at whatever level.

A safe working environment is very important to us. We therefore expect you to respect the privacy and body of your colleagues. So no comments or behaviour that is demeaning, intimidating or stressful. Quite logical in our opinion.

When is something inappropriate and/or unacceptable?

It seems like a simple question (and in some cases it is), but it can happen that you do something unconsciously. Not because you unknowingly beat someone up or pinch their butt, but it can also be more nuanced. Everyone in our team is unique, so something that is very innocent to you may not be innocent at all to your colleague. Therefore, the rule is: if someone doesn't feel okay with it, then it's not okay.

To get an idea of what we mean, we have written down a few examples of sexual harassment. It comes in 3 forms:

  1. Verbal: (sexual) comments or jokes about, for example appearance and clothing;
  2. Non-verbal: gestures, facial expressions, blocking the way, but also sexually oriented or pornographic images (also via email, WhatsApp or text message);
  3. Physical: basically all forms of unwanted physical contact. Apart from obvious unwanted contact (such as sexual assault and rape), it can also be an arm on someone's shoulder. Even getting into someone's "comfort zone" can also be a form of physical sexual harassment.

We think it's a small effort to hold back. And if, for example, your touch is well-intentioned, ask your colleague for permission beforehand. It’s not very complicated. We just want everyone to be happy and feel safe.

Someone has crossed your boundary. What now?

Are you okay?

Do you see something happening that is not acceptable? A quick question to see if your colleague is okay can help him or her enormously. You can also be taken into confidence about an unpleasant situation. In that case, try to support your colleague by listening or refer them to, for example, the confidant. Needless to say, but don’t shout from the rooftops what you hear and see.