Lloyd’s has announced a series of measures aimed at improving workplace behaviour after a culture survey it commissioned in May came back with shocking responses.

About 8% of 6000 Lloyd’s passholders interviewed for the survey have witnessed sexual harassment over the previous 12 months but only 45% are comfortable with raising a concern.

Another 22% say they have seen colleagues turn a blind eye to inappropriate behaviour. About 40% felt under pressure to perform at work and 24% have seen excessive consumption of alcohol in the past 12 months.

Women returned more negative responses than men, and one in five do not believe there were equal opportunities regardless of gender.

The survey outcome has prompted Lloyd’s to act. The business is working to increase the number of women at senior levels, set business conduct standards and introduce a culture dashboard to monitor the progress made.

“I am determined that we create a working environment at Lloyd’s where everyone feels safe, valued and respected. Cultural change takes time, but we have to accelerate progress and the measures announced today are intended to do just that,” CEO John Neal said.

“The vast majority of people working at Lloyd’s are as committed as I am to taking the action we need to drive measurable results. Creating an inclusive marketplace is a priority for Lloyd’s and crucial to our long-term success.”

Lloyd’s commissioned the Banking Standards Board in May to undertake the culture survey, the largest ever in the insurance industry.

The survey was part of the five-point plan unveiled in March to address reports of sexual harassment made by several female employees.

Mr Neal was quoted as saying by Bloomberg the survey results “are shocking, unacceptable and require robust action immediately.”

“I expected disappointing results on sexual harassment and excessive alcohol consumption, but the stats and levels of complaint are higher than I would have imagined.”