RIYADH: The minister of labor and social development, Ahmed Al-Rajhi, approved protection controls against inappropriate behavior at work. The resolution, which aims to protect privacy, dignity and individual freedom will enter into effect from Oct. 20, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.
The ministry’s official spokesman, Khaled Abba Al-Khayl, explained that the decision aims to improve the work environment, so as to make it attractive to job seekers and to preserve the rights of all workers.
“This resolution was based on labor law and its executive regulations, the Cabinet’s decision to fight harassment and some international practices on the elimination of violence and harassment at work,” explained Al-Khayl.
He also pointed out that the decision was revised through several workshops with the help of specialists in the private sector.
Al-Khayl noted that the decision introduces protective controls, preventive measures and the necessary guidelines to enable investigation.
“The decision included several guidance models that would help enterprises, employees and workers to facilitate the procedures of activating and implementing the provisions of the resolution,” noted the ministry’s spokesman.
He added that behavioral infringement refers to all acts of abuse practiced by one party against another, including all forms of exploitation, threats, harassment, extortion, inducement, quarrel, insult, offense, or deliberate seclusion with the opposite sex, as well as any form of discrimination whether on the basis of gender or otherwise. These acts may intend, lead or potentially lead to physical, psychological, sexual or economic harm to the other party.
The decision also covers all behavioral abuse among employees outside official working hours.
