Effective Measures That Businesses Should Take to Prevent Sexual Harassment Incidents at Workplace

Sexual harassment is a serious issue that affects workplaces of all sizes and industries.

It not only causes harm to the individuals who experience it, but it also has a detrimental effect on the overall morale and productivity of a company.

According to Zippia, 54 to 81% of women have faced some or the other kind of sexual harassment at their workplace. Yet, surprisingly, very few can report them.

As a business owner or manager, it is crucial to take proactive measures to prevent and address instances of sexual harassment in the workplace. This article discusses effective strategies and best practices that businesses can implement to create a safe and inclusive work environment for all employees.

Set Clear Examples from the Top Down

One of the crucial steps that businesses can take to prevent sexual harassment incidents in the workplace is to set clear examples from the top down. It means that leaders and managers should set the tone for the rest of the organization by modeling appropriate behavior and making it clear that sexual harassment will not be tolerated.

One way to set a clear example is to establish a code of conduct that clearly defines sexual harassment and the consequences of engaging in such behavior. This code should be communicated to all employees and regularly reinforced through training and education programs.

Leaders and managers should also lead by example by promoting a culture of respect and inclusivity. It includes treating all employees with dignity and respect, regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics.

If you want to know more alarming facts about sexual harassment in the workplace or if you are a boss and want to know how to stop it, you can click here.

Review and Distribute Your Harassment Policies

A clear, comprehensive, and easily accessible harassment policy is crucial for ensuring that all employees understand what constitutes sexual harassment and how to report it.

When reviewing and updating your harassment policy, it's important to ensure it complies with all relevant laws and regulations. It should also be clear and easy to understand, outlining the prohibited behaviors and the consequences of engaging in such behavior.

Once your harassment policy is in place, it's important to distribute it to all employees and ensure they understand it. You can do it through training sessions, employee handbooks, or company-wide emails. It's also important to ensure that all employees know who to report harassment to and that the process for reporting is easy to follow and confidential.

Make It Comfortable for People to Report Incidents

According to the International Labour Organization, only 50% of the victims disclose their problems about sexual harassment to someone else. The most common reason for not disclosing the problem is fear of reputation or thinking it's just a waste of time. Women were more likely to share their problems as compared to men.

However, you should note that sharing the problem with someone is different, and reporting the incident formally is different. Therefore, there must be comfortable protocols for reporting such incidents at the workplace.

Making it comfortable for people to report incidents of sexual harassment is a crucial step in preventing and addressing such incidents in the workplace. When employees feel comfortable and safe reporting incidents, they are more likely to come forward and seek help.

One way to make it comfortable for people to report incidents is to establish a clear and accessible process for reporting. It should include multiple channels for reporting, such as in-person, email, phone, or an online reporting system. It should also include clear instructions on how to report and who to report to, as well as the process for follow-up and investigation.

Another important aspect is ensuring that the reporting process is confidential and that the employees' privacy is protected. Employees should be informed that their reports will be handled discreetly and that any retaliation for reporting will not be tolerated.

Include Real-Life Scenarios in Your Training Sessions

Including real-life scenarios in your training sessions is an effective measure that businesses can take to prevent sexual harassment incidents in the workplace. This type of training helps employees understand what constitutes sexual harassment and how to handle situations if they arise.

Real-life scenario training should cover a wide range of topics, such as recognizing and reporting sexual harassment, understanding the impact of sexual harassment, and how to prevent it. The training should also include interactive elements, such as role-playing exercises and case studies, to help employees understand how to apply the concepts in real-world situations.

The training sessions can also include models and policies from the government for a better understanding of the topic.

For instance, the New York government has recently developed a stronger Model Sexual Harassment Prevention Policy. It is developed based on feedback from numerous employers, workers, and the general public. This proposed comprehensive policy is now out for review and will undergo a 30-days feedback period from January 12, 2023, till February 11, 2023.

Assign a Team to Investigate Every Complaint Received

Assigning a dedicated team to investigate every complaint received is a crucial step in preventing and addressing incidents of sexual harassment in the workplace. It ensures that complaints are taken seriously and handled promptly and effectively.

The team should be composed of trained professionals who are familiar with the laws and regulations surrounding sexual harassment and have the necessary skills to conduct investigations. They should also be neutral and unbiased, with no conflicts of interest with the parties involved in the complaint.

When a complaint is received, the team should immediately begin an investigation, gathering all relevant information and interviewing all parties involved. The investigation should be thorough and objective, and all evidence should be carefully evaluated.

Conclusion

Preventing sexual harassment incidents in the workplace is a crucial responsibility for businesses of all sizes and industries. By taking a proactive approach, implementing effective measures, and promoting a culture of respect and inclusivity, businesses can create a safe and inclusive work environment for all employees.

Effective measures including setting clear examples from the top down, reviewing and distributing harassment policies, and making it comfortable for people to report incidents, must be taken. Assigning a team to investigate every complaint and including real-life scenarios in training sessions must also be included.

By taking these steps, businesses can not only prevent sexual harassment incidents but also create a culture where employees feel respected and valued.