Workplace violence and harassment complaints on the rise in Greece
According to the 2024 annual report by the Hellenic Labour Inspectorate (SEPE), complaints related to workplace violence and harassment have risen sharply in Greece. The number of official complaints increased from 151 in 2022 to 318 in 2024.
The findings were presented by Labour Relations Inspector Maria Antonopoulou during an event organized by the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EBEA).
Antonopoulou emphasized that the report is crucial for promoting a zero-tolerance culture and strengthening public trust.
Key Findings
66% of complainants were women, 34% were men.
70% of alleged perpetrators were men, 30% women.
The most frequently reported type of incident was verbal, psychological, or ethical harassment (280 cases).
46 complaints concerned physical violence and 38 sexual harassment.
Sexual harassment complaints rose by 216% compared to 2023 (from 12 to 38).
53% of sexual harassment perpetrators were employers; 47% were co-workers.
Of the 38 sexual harassment cases, 14 were resolved through SEPE mediation.
Among sexual harassment complainants, 89% were women, along with 3 men and 1 trans person.
Most Affected Sectors
Complaints were concentrated in the following industries:
Wholesale and retail trade: 28%
Hospitality and food services: 26%
Small and medium-sized enterprises were particularly prominent in reported cases.
67% of complaints originated from businesses with fewer than 50 employees, while only 3% came from firms with 151–250 employees.
Age Groups and Generational Differences
The largest group of complainants were aged 45–64 (48%), followed by 35–44 (27%).
By generation, Generation X and Millennials were tied for first place at 40% each, followed by Generation Z and Baby Boomers.
Outcomes of Complaints
31% resolved through SEPE mediation.
26% were referred for legal action.
10% resulted in administrative sanctions (fines).
7% were withdrawn before completion.
In many cases, SEPE’s reports played a decisive role in court rulings.
Inspections and Penalties in 2025 (First 8 Months)
During the first eight months of 2025, SEPE carried out 1,008 inspections:
82% planned, 13% prompted by anonymous complaints, and 5% related to labor disputes.
Most inspections targeted:
Retail (22%)
Food and beverage services (15%)
Wholesale trade (9%)
Accommodation (8%)
A total of 62 violations were recorded, leading to €120,200 in fines, mainly imposed on companies in Athens and Central Macedonia.
Are Employers Changing Their Policies?
In 2024, 299 companies adopted internal regulations addressing workplace violence and harassment — primarily large firms in Athens and Central Macedonia.
While SEPE welcomed this progress, it stressed that broader cultural change and more comprehensive measures are still needed to ensure safe and equitable workplaces across Greece.
