Many Unpleasant Behaviors in the Office: Identifying the Culprits

A Populix survey reveals that 73% of Indonesian workers have experienced unpleasant treatment in the office. This unpleasant behavior includes verbal harassment, discrimination, forced labor, sexual harassment, and physical violence.

Of those who experienced such treatment, the majority (62%) stated that the perpetrator was a peer or someone holding a similar position. 57% reported unpleasant behavior from superiors or more senior colleagues, 16% from company owners, and 12% from human resources (HR) staff. 10% reported the treatment came from subordinates or younger colleagues, and 10% from colleagues from outside the company.

According to Populix Head of Human Resources (HR) Jonas Danny, the high number of cases of unpleasant treatment in the workplace presents a significant challenge for HR departments. "Almost all of this unpleasant treatment is considered a 'delik aduan' (a crime that requires a complaint from the victim)," Jonas said in a press release (June 25, 2024). "Often, victims are reluctant to report it for fear of their identity being revealed." He added, "Even when they do report it, the outcome may not be in their favor, as the perpetrator may be protected by the company for various reasons."

Populix conducted this online survey from May 28 to June 4, 2024, involving 1,412 Indonesian workers. Respondents comprised 64% women and 36% men. Respondents were spread across Indonesia, with the majority in Java (62%) and Sumatra (22%). 52% of respondents were Generation Z, and 48% were non-Gen Z.