Tackling Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Preventing Sexual Harassment Training: Key Insights from Experts

Sexual harassment in the workplace can be a pervasive issue that affects a significant portion of a workforce.

In a recent webinar, we brought together experts from a number of fields to discuss the importance of tackling sexual harassment through workplace training and to share valuable insights on how organisations can create safer work environments.

Understanding Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is defined under the Equality Act as unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment.

It’s crucial to understand that it is the impact on the individual that matters, not the intent of the perpetrator. Sexual harassment can take many forms, including verbal, physical, visual, or digital (e.g., emails, texts).

Prevalence and Impact

The prevalence of sexual harassment in the workplace is alarming, with over 40% of women experiencing it at work. While it disproportionately affects women, it also impacts men, LGBTQ+ individuals, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and young workers. The consequences of sexual harassment are far-reaching, leading to reduced job satisfaction, mental health issues, and lower team morale.

Legal Framework

The legal framework surrounding sexual harassment is evolving. The Worker Protection Act (UK, Oct 2023) requires employers to take “reasonable steps” to prevent harassment, soon to be updated to “all reasonable steps.”

This legislation applies to employees and third-party interactions (e.g., customers, suppliers).

Failure to comply can result in tribunal claims, EHRC investigations, and up to a 25% uplift in compensation awards.

Proactive Employer Measures

Employers must take proactive measures to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace:

• Conducting risk assessments tailored to the organisation’s structure and workforce is essential.
• Implementing clear, accessible reporting procedures and providing regular training, especially for line managers who are often the first point of contact, are crucial steps.
• Anonymous reporting channels like SafeCall can encourage disclosures and help create a safer work environment.
• Regularly reviewing and updating policies and procedures is also vital.

Eve Maxwell, Head of Training, emphasised the importance of training and line manager readiness:

“Training is not just a tick-box exercise. It’s about creating a culture where employees feel safe and supported. Line managers play a critical role in this process, and they must be equipped to handle sensitive disclosures effectively.”

Investigations and Response

Prompt and unbiased investigations are essential when tackling sexual harassment in the workplace.

Appointing trained investigators with cultural and gender sensitivity can help ensure a fair process.

It’s important to maintain clear boundaries between internal investigations and police involvement in criminal cases. Supporting victims throughout the process, especially when anonymity is requested, is crucial.

Tim Smith, Operations Director at SafeCall, shared best practices for investigations and anonymous reporting:

“Anonymous reporting channels can be a game-changer in encouraging disclosures. It’s important to create an environment where employees feel safe to report incidents without fear of retaliation.”

Actionable Takeaways

To summarise, here are some actionable takeaways for tackling sexual harassment in the workplace:

• Train line managers to handle sensitive disclosures effectively.
• Promote anonymous reporting options and educate staff on their use.
• Align internal policies with evolving legislation.
• Consider independent investigations for impartiality.
• Foster a culture of trust and openness.

Preventing sexual harassment training is not just a legal requirement; it’s a moral imperative. By taking proactive measures and fostering a culture of respect and safety, organisations can create a positive work environment for all employees.

By implementing these strategies and prioritising preventing sexual harassment training, organisations can make significant strides in creating safer and more inclusive workplaces. The insights shared by the experts in this webinar provide a valuable roadmap for employers to follow.