Rio finds systemic bullying, sexism

A report commissioned by Rio Tinto has found widespread bullying, sexual harassment and racism across its global workforce, with the miner pledging to make lasting change.

The eight-month study gained input from more than 10,300 people – out of 45,000 employees worldwide – and found nearly half had experienced bullying in the past five years.

It found 28.2 per cent of women and 6.7 per cent of men have experienced sexual harassment at work.

In addition, 21 women reported actual or attempted rape or sexual assault.

The global survey also found racism was common.

Specifically, 39.8 per cent of men and 31.8 per cent of women who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander in Australia experienced racism.

Chief executive Jakob Stausholm said the findings were deeply disturbing and apologised to every employee who had suffered as a result of these behaviours.

“I feel shame and enormous regret to have learned the extent to which bullying, sexual harassment and racism are happening at Rio Tinto,” he said.

“This is not the kind of company we want to be.

Mr Stausholm said he was determined to make positive and lasting change.

The review was carried out by former Sex Discrimination commissioner Elizabeth Broderick as part of a program designed to better understand, prevent and respond to harmful behaviours in the workplace.

Ms Broderick said the company was committed to change, with employees confident its culture was improving.

“By proactively commissioning this study, one of the largest of its kind within the resources industry, it demonstrates a very clear commitment to increased transparency, accountability and action,” she said.

“The high levels of confidence among employees that a significant impact can be made in the next two years are an encouraging sign that change can happen.

“In my interactions with the Rio Tinto leadership team, I have observed a strong desire for transformational change, as well as to make positive contributions to the societal shifts that we need to see.

“There is clear recognition, however, that new approaches are needed to solve these issues.”

More than 10,300 employees participate in an online survey for the review.

It also conducted 109 group listening sessions and 85 confidential individual listening sessions, and received close to 140 individual written submissions.

It concluded that harmful behaviour occurs by and between employees, managers, and leaders, including senior leaders.

It also concluded that harmful behaviour is often tolerated or normalised, and is often an open secret when it involves serial perpetrators.

Rio said it will implement all of the 26 detailed recommendations in the review, with a focus on three key areas.

•            A commitment from the company’s leadership to create safe, respectful and inclusive working environments to prevent harmful behaviours and better support people in vulnerable situations. This includes increasing diversity within the company.

•            Ensuring the company’s camp and village facilities are safe and inclusive. This includes making sure the company is applying the same safety and risk processes that it uses to prevent harm in operations to create a safe environment for all employees and contractors.

•            Making it as easy and as safe as possible for all people to call out unacceptable behaviours, highlight issues when they happen and receive support. This includes introducing early intervention options and improving how the company responds to formal complaints in the workplace.