# Rising workplace violence and harassment in Europe

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/rising-workplace-violence-and-harassment-in-europe
> Updated: 2026-08-16T05:07:35.000Z. Sources: 26. Developments: 2.

Reports from Austria and Greece indicate rising trends in workplace violence and harassment.

In Austria, data from the General Accident Insurance Institution (AUVA) shows that occupational accidents resulting from violence rose by approximately 65 percent between 2021 and 2025, with roughly 1,750 registered incidents. Vulnerable sectors include healthcare, social services, public transport, retail, and administration. AUVA Prevention Director Caroline Krammer noted that official figures likely underrepresent the problem because they only capture physical violence resulting in sick leave, leaving a “high suspected dark number” of unreported psychological violence, verbal abuse, and sexual harassment.

In Greece, the Independent Labour Inspection Authority has announced a zero-tolerance policy to address a 43 percent increase in labour dispute applications related to violence and harassment recorded in 2025. Data shows that 79 percent of these incidents involved psychological or verbal abuse, and 73 percent occurred within hierarchical relationships. There has also been a noted increase in complaints from women and workers aged 25 to 34. Recent data further specifies that the percentage of women identified as perpetrators has reached 38%.

To combat these trends, the authority’s dedicated department, led by Georgia Vazaki, has shifted toward a proactive prevention and education strategy. This includes providing advisory support to labour inspectors and issuing preventive information to approximately 2,000 small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly in the tourism, hospitality, and retail sectors. In 2025, 271 labour regulations incorporating prevention policies were submitted, with significant activity noted in Attica, Central Macedonia, Crete, and the Aegean.

## Claims

- The Independent Labour Inspection Authority is promoting a zero-tolerance policy toward all forms of violence and harassment in the workplace. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- The Independent Labour Inspection Authority is prioritizing prevention and early intervention regarding workplace violence and harassment. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- Georgia Vazaki leads the independent department for monitoring violence and harassment in the workplace. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- The Independent Labour Inspection Authority is shifting its focus from managing complaints to prevention and early intervention. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- Georgia Vazaki, head of the department, stated that initiatives enhanced knowledge of the institutional framework. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- Georgia Vazaki is the head of the department monitoring violence and harassment at work. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- In 2025, labor complaints regarding violence and harassment increased by 43%. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- 8 out of 10 complaints involve psychological or verbal violence. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Workplace violence and harassment complaints increased by 43% in 2025. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Approximately 79% of reported incidents involve psychological or verbal violence. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Labour dispute applications regarding violence and harassment increased by 43% in 2025. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Psychological and verbal violence accounted for 79% of reported incidents. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-16: Greece Labour Authority targets workplace violence and harassment

Greece's Labour Inspection Authority reports a 43% rise in workplace violence complaints, with 79% involving psychological or verbal abuse, prompting new proactive prevention measures.

26 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-labour-authority-reports-43-rise-in-workplace-harassment-complaints

### 2026-08-07: Austria sees sharp rise in workplace violence and harassment

Workplace violence in Austria has increased by approximately 65% since 2021, with 1,750 registered accidents in 2025, according to AUVA data. Healthcare and service sectors are most affected.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/austria-sees-sharp-rise-in-workplace-violence-and-harassment

---
Cite as: Rising workplace violence and harassment in Europe. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/rising-workplace-violence-and-harassment-in-europe