While most organisations play off that sexual harassment takes place in their buildings, the sad reality is that it happens more often than not. No company is immune to the need to have sexual harassment training implemented so that all employees are aware of what isn’t acceptable behaviour.
Here are seven important strategies for preventing sexual misconduct at work.
-
Making It Clear That Prevention Is A Company Priority
Companies should be proactive about taking the proper steps to educate their employees and raise awareness of what behaviour will not be tolerated. Harassment policies should be reviewed and possibly updated regularly to ensure that they actively reflect the company’s attitudes. These policies should also be routinely communicated to all staff and employees to ensure they’they’reys understand.
-
Employees And Management Should Understand What Sexual Harassment Is
It may seem obvious, but there are some very blurry lines. They should know exactly what actions and behaviours are deemed inappropriate, including making specific comments or watching inappropriate content.
-
Keeping Training Positive at Work
Employees are not open to outright statements that they did something wrong or can’t be trusted. Many sexual harassment training programs focus on the negative, making employees feel like they’re the problem. Instead, use positive language so that they are more likely to be proactive about their behaviour.
-
Cutting Back On Legalese Language
Using too much legalese language can make everything more confusing than it needs to be. Instead, use simple language that is easy to understand and doesn’t cause any unnecessary confusion.
-
Ensuring A Harassment-Free Workplace
Instead of depending on managers and supervisors to monitor harassment 24/7, you can enlist the employees to report incidents and warning signs to create a positive and respectful workplace atmosphere. They should be prepared to step in and interrupt any incidences of harassment, be confident enough to formally report, support those who have experienced harassment, and encourage others to do the same.
-
Using Employees As Social Influencers at Work
Employees are more likely to listen to their peers at work than the HR department. Leverage certain key employees to be social influencers in the workplace to exercise harassment prevention efforts to create a safer and more positive work environment. Employees will be more likely to govern each other than to have a higher-up constantly looking over their shoulders.
-
Taking Swift Action When Matters Arise at Work
If no action is taken when incidents are reported, employees will feel like they aren’t heard. Take swift action as soon as possible, especially when investigating the matter and imposing consequences for misbehaviour.
By putting these preventative strategies to work, you can minimise and prevent sexual harassment in the workplace and foster a culture that is both respectful and supportive.
