Implementing 5 key steps helps to ensure a safe and secure environment
The culture of workplace sexual harassment is changing, even as #MeToo effects continue to
ripple throughout many industries. But there’s still work to be done—and prevention is the key
to creating a work environment free from harassment.
Here are five key steps to preventing sexual harassment in the workplace:
1) Formulate written sexual harassment policies—and effectively communicate them. Without a written, easy-to-understand sexual harassment policy on the books, employers open their workplaces to a slew of issues, including harassing behavior and unreported incidents. It’s critical to have these policies in place and to communicate them effectively and often. That means providing policies in writing to new hires, posting the policies in central areas and reviewing policies during anti-sexual harassment trainings.
2) Hold regular anti-harassment workshops and programs. Consistent, interactive, and comprehensive training for all employees can help ensure that workers understand sexual harassment policies, procedures, and expectations, as well as the consequences of misconduct. Supervisors, managers and team leaders, because of their position and duties, often have greater related responsibilities than other workers; consequently, employers might benefit from providing additional training to these individuals.
3) Continually monitor the workplace. Reporting sexual harassment is difficult to do, and many victims might struggle in coming forward. Leaders must be aware of what’s happening in the workplace and work to create a culture where all employees, not just victims, are empowered to report any and all incidents.
4) Respond to all complaints immediately. To create and maintain an environment where it’s clear that sexual harassment is not tolerated, management at all levels must take all sexual harassment-related questions, concerns, and complaints seriously—and respond right away. It’s also crucial to appropriately document every complaint, from the initial report, to the investigation to the case resolution.
5) Raise awareness. Being cognizant of what constitutes sexual harassment in the workplace is essential in preventing it from occurring. Employees should learn about the different types of sexual harassment and the risky behaviors to avoid. They should also know how to evaluate situations to determine what might be considered harassment.
Organizations count on Ulliance Human Effectiveness Training experts to provide employees with the tools they need to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. Ulliance consultants empower employees through training sessions that integrate discussion, experiential exercises, and role-play, all customized to your specific industry and using real-life examples. Ulliance offers the perfect solutions for employers who value their employees and the bottom line. How can we help you? Visit www.ulliance.com or call 866-648-8326.