The Administration of Occupational Safety and Health (AOSH) encourages workplaces to foster a healthy workplace culture. A healthy workplace culture refers to the values, practices and attitudes that shape the working environment and that employees adopt in their communication, collaboration and approach to resolving issues.

This includes creating an inclusive culture based on respect and kindness, where everyone is welcome. When employees feel that they belong and that their contribution is valued, this promotes well-being and builds trust in workplace relationships.

Employers must make it clear that bullying, harassment and any form of violence will not be tolerated in the workplace, whether by managers or employees. They must also respond promptly if such behaviour occurs and ensure that all cases are handled fairly and objectively.

Equal treatment in the labour market

All employees have the right to be treated with respect.

Discrimination, prejudice or harassment in any form is prohibited on the grounds of:

• gender,

• race,

• ethnic origin,

• religion,

• beliefs,

• disability,

• reduced working capacity,

• age,

• sexual orientation,

• gender identity,

• sex characteristics,

• gender expression.

If you are unsure about your rights or obligations, we recommend finding out more from the Directorate of Equality and consulting the Act on Equal Treatment in the Labour Market, which workplaces are required to comply with.

Gender equality

Employers are responsible for ensuring equality between genders in the workplace and that everyone has equal opportunities to use their abilities and develop their talents. Both direct and indirect discrimination are prohibited.

This also means ensuring that all employees receive equal pay and the same terms and conditions of employment for the same work or work of equal value, so that there are no unjustified differences in pay.

Employers must also ensure that everyone has equal opportunities for vocational training and continuing education within the workplace and is able to reconcile work and private life, irrespective of gender.

Further information is available from the Directorate of Equality and in the Act on Equal Status and Equal Rights Irrespective of Gender, which workplaces are required to comply with.