Harassment at work · Belgium

Direct answer

Employers have a legal duty to protect you from harassment and bullying by colleagues, managers or customers, and must have a procedure for it. Keep a diary from today: date, what happened, who saw it. Report it in writing to the employer (HR, the confidential adviser, the works council). If nothing happens or it gets worse, Toezicht op de Sociale Wetten (FOD WASO) (02 233 41 11) inspects psychosocial risks at work in Belgium; Vakbond (ACV, ABVV, ACLVB) (hetacv.be) represents you; if the harassment is about sex, origin or another protected ground, Unia / Instituut voor de gelijkheid van vrouwen en mannen (0800 12 800) is the equality body.

Call firstToezicht op de Sociale Wetten (FOD WASO)

Report toVakbond (ACV, ABVV, ACLVB)

If that failsUnia / Instituut voor de gelijkheid van vrouwen en mannen

🗣️ What to say

"Since [date] I have been subjected to [behaviour] by [name/role], for example on [dates]. This affects my health and my work. I ask you to investigate, to take measures to stop it, and to confirm in writing what you will do. I am keeping a record of incidents."

🪜 Step by step

Diary from todayFacts, dates, witnesses, emails. Keep it at home.
See your doctorIf it affects your sleep or health. A medical record is evidence and protects you if you need leave.
Report in writing to the employerTo HR or the confidential adviser; keep a copy. The employer must investigate.
Nothing happens: Toezicht op de Sociale Wetten (FOD WASO)Labour inspectorates handle psychosocial risks; a complaint triggers an inspection.
Protected ground: Unia / Instituut voor de gelijkheid van vrouwen en mannenSexual harassment and harassment tied to origin, religion, disability etc. is discrimination — the equality body helps with a claim.

📇 All contacts

Toezicht op de Sociale Wetten (FOD WASO)Labour inspectorate: inspection, formal notice to the employerAs soon as the wages are late📞 02 233 41 11 🔗 werk.belgie.be/nl/over-de-fod/structuur-van-de-fod/algemene-directie-toezicht-op-de-sociale-wetten

Vakbond (ACV, ABVV, ACLVB)Advice and representation at the labour tribunalFor members; you can join right away🔗 www.hetacv.be

Unia / Instituut voor de gelijkheid van vrouwen en mannenFree reporting, investigation, mediation on discriminationDiscrimination at work, housing, services📞 0800 12 800 🔗 www.unia.be

Slachtofferhulp (CAW) / Commissie voor financiële hulp aan slachtoffersFree support and accompaniment, compensationAfter any crime📞 0800 13 500 🔗 www.slachtofferzorg.be

❓ Frequently asked

Can I refuse to work with the harasser?

You can ask for measures — a different team, no contact — and the employer must consider them. Leaving without agreement is risky; get advice first.

I want to resign

A resignation caused by unaddressed harassment can count as a dismissal with compensation in many countries — but only if you complained first and it is documented. Talk to Vakbond (ACV, ABVV, ACLVB) before resigning.

Can I record conversations?

Rules differ; in many countries recording a conversation you are part of is allowed as evidence, secretly recording others is not. Ask Vakbond (ACV, ABVV, ACLVB).

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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