A senior official at Cambodia’s Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training has called on employers, managers and workers to strengthen efforts to prevent insults, threats, violence and inappropriate behaviour in the workplace, stressing that a respectful working environment is essential for stable labour relations and business operations.
The call was made by Nguy Rith, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, during a training session on “raising awareness of the prevention and elimination of violence and harassment in the workplace” held on the morning of September 1, 2026, at the Textile, Apparel, Footwear and Travel Goods Association in Cambodia (TAFTAC).
“A respectful workplace is not only a matter of dignity and rights. It is also an important foundation for stable labour relations, productive businesses and a positive working environment.”
Training Brings Together Representatives From Thousands of Enterprises
The four day training programme, held from September 1 to 4, 2026, is being organised through cooperation between the National Institute of Labour and TAFTAC. Approximately 3,900 representatives from enterprises, companies and factories are taking part in the programme.
The training aims to strengthen understanding of the rights and responsibilities of relevant stakeholders while encouraging workplaces built around safety, dignity and mutual respect. The initiative places particular emphasis on improving awareness among those whose roles directly influence workplace conditions and relations.
Speaking at the event, Nguy Rith highlighted the importance of mainstreaming knowledge about workplace rights and responsibilities among all relevant parties. He particularly identified administrative staff, interpreters, human resources managers, production supervisors and company, factory and enterprise leaders as key groups in preventing inappropriate behaviour and language in the workplace.
Workplace Respect Remains a Priority for Employers and Managers
The Secretary of State stressed that efforts to prevent and address inappropriate conduct must follow Cambodia’s national legal framework as well as international labour standards. These principles focus on protecting everyone in the world of work from violence and harassment.
The protection covers physical, psychological, sexual and economic violence and harassment, as well as violence and harassment based on gender. The emphasis reflects the broader importance of ensuring that employees can perform their duties in an environment where their rights, dignity and personal value are respected.
For businesses, workplace conduct is also closely connected to organisational stability. A working environment where inappropriate language, intimidation or harassment is not properly addressed can create tensions that extend beyond individual employees and affect wider professional relationships.
Workplace Disputes Can Affect Production and Business Reputation
Nguy Rith noted that although these problems have been significantly reduced, some cases continue to occur. When such incidents are not prevented or addressed appropriately, they can contribute to labour disputes, strikes or protests.
Such conflicts can have wider consequences for enterprises, potentially affecting professional relationships, production and the reputation of a business. For companies operating in Cambodia’s manufacturing and other labour intensive sectors, maintaining constructive relations between management and workers therefore remains an important part of business continuity.
In this context, the official encouraged all stakeholders to work closely with the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training to improve working conditions and workplace environments. He also called for efforts to transform each enterprise into a peaceful community where employees and management can work together respectfully.
Employers Urged to Prevent Insults, Threats and Harassment
The Secretary of State encouraged owners and directors of enterprises, companies and factories to instruct their management teams and production supervisors, particularly those who work directly with workers, to uphold labour rights, human dignity and human values.
He called for the absolute prohibition and prevention of all forms of insults, threats, violence and harassment in the workplace. The message places responsibility on management to ensure that workplace standards are understood and followed by employees who have direct supervisory responsibilities.
For business leaders and managers, the emphasis is not simply on responding to incidents after they occur. Establishing clear expectations around respectful conduct and ensuring that supervisors understand their responsibilities can help reduce workplace tensions and support more stable professional relationships.
Workers Also Asked to Respect Workplace Rules and Report Misconduct
The Ministry also appealed to workers to maintain workplace discipline, fulfil their responsibilities and respect the rights and dignity of others. Employees were encouraged to report to labour inspectors or competent authorities if they witness or experience any inappropriate behaviour or language at work.
The Ministry further instructed labour inspectors to strengthen inspections and take firm action based on the principles of justice, transparency and impartiality. The approach is intended to ensure that workplace concerns are addressed fairly while reinforcing the responsibilities of both employers and workers.
As Cambodia continues to strengthen labour standards and workplace relations, cooperation between employers, employees, labour inspectors and relevant authorities will remain important. A workplace built on respect and dignity can help protect workers while also supporting stronger professional relationships, stable production and the long term reputation of businesses.
Conclusion
Cambodia’s latest workplace awareness initiative sends a clear message to employers, managers and workers: preventing insults, threats, violence and harassment is a shared responsibility. Stronger awareness of workplace rights and responsibilities, combined with fair enforcement and respectful management practices, can contribute to safer workplaces and more stable labour relations across Cambodia’s enterprises and factories.