Together for a socially safe hospitality sector, under this motto, Government Commissioner for sexual misconduct and sexual violence Mariëtte Hamer, Koninklijke hospitality Nederland, De Horecabond and CNV are working on social safety, including sexual misconduct. The approach will be launched this afternoon at the Horecava, the hospitality trade fair, in the RAI.
The approach includes a campaign focused on awareness and behavioural change and a central information point where hospitality entrepreneurs and employees can go for information. In addition, all hospitality employees will soon have access to sectoral confidential advisors. Moreover, the sector will draft a model code of conduct and house rules that companies can adopt and adapt to their situation. Finally, accessible training will be offered to managers and employees to better handle (sexual) misconduct towards employees and guests. In December, the government campaign ‘Man, say something about it!’ was seen for the first time in the hospitality sector. The Hospitality Your career Platform is providing a subsidy of 1.5 million euros for the entire approach.
Blurring boundaries
After healthcare, the hospitality sector is where unwanted behaviour occurs most frequently. Research by EenVandaag shows that 72% of young female hospitality employees have experienced misconduct. Hamer: “Many young people work in hospitality and there is a high turnover of staff. Additionally, alcohol is often served in hospitality, which can blur boundaries. Moreover, staff often work evenings and nights, with little supervision. Speaking out when you experience something unpleasant is difficult, especially against guests: you still want to provide hospitable service.”
Hospitable in a safe workplace
Chair of Koninklijke hospitality Nederland Marijke Vuik: “It is very important that we tackle this together. Hospitality entrepreneurs want to be hospitable to everyone, and social safety is also needed for that. Sexual misconduct has no place in hospitality.” Chair of De Horecabond Edwin Vlek adds: “Every employee has the right to a safe workplace. Also in hospitality. Employers bear that responsibility. That is why we are working together to tackle misconduct.” CNV hospitality Chair Piet Fortuin is also enthusiastic: “The figures show how great the need is. The hospitality sector is a very fun, warm and welcoming sector, but unwanted behaviour is unfortunately also part of it. With this approach, we can take concrete steps, and we are happy to contribute to that.”
Approach in different sectors
The Government Commissioner for sexual misconduct and sexual violence is working in various sectors to prevent and combat sexual misconduct as part of an approach focused on social safety. For example, work is already underway on an approach against sexual misconduct and sexual violence in healthcare and the travel industry, and efforts are being combined in the metal and electronics and transport and logistics sectors.
More information about the national campaign by the Dutch government ‘Man, say something about it’ and the accompanying toolkit can be found at www.metelkaartrekkenwedegrens.nl/hospitality. The materials from the toolkit are free to use.