Our trainer, Holy, emphasises: Sexual Harassment: Strengthening HR Teams to Promote Safe Workplaces.
Sexual harassment continues to pose a significant challenge within workplaces, affecting both individuals and organisations. Despite increased awareness, many employees still feel unsafe or unsupported when it comes to reporting inappropriate conduct.
HR professionals collaborating on preventive measures against workplace sexual harassment
For HR teams, it’s crucial to tackle sexual harassment proactively, not only as a compliance requirement but as a cultural imperative. Establishing a workplace where every employee feels safe, respected, and heard necessitates clear policies, proactive training, and tools that promote transparency and accountability.
Understanding Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment encompasses unwelcome advances, comments, gestures, physical contact, or any sexual behaviour that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment. It can manifest verbally, non-verbally, or physically and may occur in person, online, or through messaging.
Examples include:
- Unwanted touching or physical contact
- Sexually suggestive comments, jokes, or innuendo
- Sending inappropriate messages or images
- Leering or suggestive looks
- Making sexual comments about someone’s appearance
- Asking intrusive questions about someone’s sex life
- Displaying offensive material
- Pressuring someone into a sexual relationship or date
- Retaliating against someone for rejecting advances or making a complaint
Why Addressing Sexual Harassment Matters
In the UK, *52% of women and *20% of men have experienced workplace sexual harassment, with many choosing not to report these incidents. This highlights the importance of HR interventions in preventing harassment.
Sexual harassment can occur in any industry, but certain sectors report higher rates due to factors like power imbalances and informal cultures. Conversely, industries with stricter oversight and professional standards often report lower rates.
The Role of HR
With only *24% of harassment victims reporting incidents, HR must ensure robust processes are in place to handle such matters seriously.
HR teams can:
- Develop clear anti-harassment policies
- Provide training and awareness programs
- Offer safe, confidential reporting channels
- Respond promptly and seriously to complaints
- Promote a culture of respect
Employers have a legal obligation to prevent sexual harassment and protect employees from harm. While many organisations have policies, there often exists a gap between policy and practice.
Lack of trust in reporting systems prevents victims from speaking out. HR must act swiftly, consistently, and compassionately in addressing harassment.
Strategies for Prevention and Response
- Clear Policies: Ensure policies are accessible and understood by all employees. Define what constitutes sexual harassment, outline reporting procedures, and communicate zero tolerance at all organisational levels.
- Build Trust in Reporting: Address fears of retaliation by offering anonymous reporting options and training managers to handle reports empathetically.
- Regular Training: Conduct regular, interactive training sessions to reinforce expectations and create a shared understanding of acceptable behaviour.
- Support Affected Employees: Beyond investigations, offer support such as counselling, flexible working arrangements, or mediation.
- Promote a Respectful Culture: Promote values like respect, integrity, and inclusivity across recruitment, performance reviews, and daily interactions.
Evolve Hub by Tick HR offers comprehensive sexual harassment training, available both online and in person to accommodate diverse needs. Please get in touch with Holly for further information
By providing structure and visibility, HR teams can act promptly and with confidence. Preventing sexual harassment is not just about compliance; it’s about creating a safe and inclusive workplace. Your HR team plays a crucial role in this effort, and with the right policies, culture, and tools, you can protect and empower your employees to thrive.
Call Holly on 07554 660 649
*Stats – HR News UK