As an employer, you must take certain steps to protect your employees from sexual harassment and to ensure unwanted behaviours are dealt with quickly.
When you build a team, you bring together different people. And, sometimes what one employee sees as a fun and harmless could be humiliating and/or upsetting to someone else. So, what can you do to ensure the boundaries of what’s acceptable and what isn’t are clear?
Sexual Harassment Policy
A sexual harassment policy is a must-have for all businesses. It enables employers to set a clear code of conduct as well as advise employees how a harassment case will be handled. This should form part of your employee handbook.
If you do not have a sexual harassment policy in place, not only are you not protecting your team but you’re leaving yourself open to possible further action. For example, a grievance being raised against you and your business. This can be a very costly process so to avoid this ensure you have a policy in place.
You may want to expand other policies to further protect your team. For instance, you can have a firm mobile phone policy in place which helps to minimise contact between employees around non-work matters during work hours.
Need help with creating a policy or want your employee handbooks reviewed to ensure they’re up to standard? Request a call with the team today.
Sexual Harassment Training
Training should be provided to all staff so that employees are well aware of what is acceptable and what isn’t. We offer an induction course centred around sexual harassment in the workplace. It defines what it is and explains how protection comes from both employment law and criminal law. Learn more by clicking here.
Clear Communication
Be clear in your communication to all employees. Refer to your sexual harassment policy and do not waver.
If there are certain holidays where it is common for employees to share cards and/or gifts then think about sending out a reminder to employees about what is acceptable in the workplace and more importantly what isn’t!
If you have any specific questions around sexual harassment in the workplace or think your policies need an update, please do reach out to the team.