Draft Bill on Code of Conduct Against Unwanted Behavior in Internet Consultation

Bullying, sexual harassment, discrimination, aggression, and violence by colleagues or supervisors. This is unwanted behavior that still occurs too often in the workplace and has a significant impact on people. It is unacceptable and must be countered. With the introduction of a mandatory code of conduct against unwanted behavior, the cabinet aims to further build a socially safe working environment for every employee. State Secretary Nobel (Participation and Integration) has opened the draft bill for internet consultation.

Drafting a code of conduct is an effective and accessible way for companies to work towards a socially safe working environment. It provides clarity for employees and employers regarding what is considered acceptable and unacceptable behavior. Furthermore, it fosters discussions in the workplace about desired and undesired behavior.

National Action Program

At the beginning of 2023, various measures were announced in the National Action Program on the Approach to Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence, including the requirement for a code of conduct. The draft bill now going into internet consultation sets several requirements for codes of conduct. For example, employers must ensure that employees are informed about the code of conduct. At the same time, there remains room for customization. This means that employers can determine the content of the code of conduct and the surrounding process within the established frameworks.

Currently, employers are already required to implement policies to combat psychosocial work-related stress. The introduction of the mandatory code of conduct partially addresses this.

The draft bill makes an exception for small employers with fewer than ten employees.

Responses to the draft bill can be submitted until March 23 via internetconsultatie.nl.