A conducive workplace is the desire of many employees. For employers, providing a conducive work environment increases employee productivity whilst leaving no room for excuses. One of the factors that militate against a conducive work environment is sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is the act of making unwelcome sexual advances or seeking sexual gratification from an individual.
Sexual harassment affects an organization in several ways, from massive employee resignations to gross insubordination to superiors. To avoid situations like this, many organizations conduct training for staff members. If handled properly, this training can instill discipline in members of an organization, as well as help them to reach set goals and objectives.
If your organization or business operates in, or around New York, you will find that training for sexual harassment in New York is mandatory by law. It also fosters a good workplace culture and orientation for everyone. If you are looking to organize this training for your organization, we recommend that you hire professionals who have relevant years of experience in tutoring employees.
Sexual Harassment Training in Organizations
This training helps all employees understand the organization’s sexual harassment policy and will also let them know that it is a priority for the company’s leadership to protect every employee. Additionally, some state and local governments have rules that apply to training, so in some circumstances, these regulations will apply to content, structure, and frequency. The training is required to meet the state model policy’s minimal requirements, and each employee must receive a copy.
The most successful forms of sexual harassment prevention training, according to some experts, are interactive workshops and in-person seminars. This can be integrated with online training and virtual meetings. Because many people are unaware of the different forms of sexual harassment, it is important to provide instances of each. Employees should also be educated on state, federal, municipal, and industry-specific workplace harassment legislation.
Workers should also be aware of their rights and the many avenues through which they can raise complaints. The investigative process, as well as the no-retaliation statute, should be clarified. Bystander intervention is another important topic. When an employee witnesses a colleague being sexually harassed, they should also report it to the appropriate authorities.
During the training, the company’s anti-harassment policy should be thoroughly reviewed and reinforced. This is because firms usually have updates, policy changes, and new personnel, making it important to conduct the training on a regular basis. Finally, all employees, including accountants, delivery drivers, and CEOs, should be mandated to complete the training.
Benefits of Training for Sexual Harassment
Here are some benefits to look out for:
Strengthens Your Workplace Culture
One effective way to strengthen your organization’s culture is through the communication of values, policies, and goals. You can achieve all these through the education of new and existing staff. When everyone in an organization is trained on the core values and policies guiding staff members, there would be an improved workplace culture that is conducive for everyone to give their best. For other ways to create a good workplace culture, you can watch this video.
Increases Awareness on Acceptable and Unacceptable Conducts
The ability to identify the different types of misconduct is an essential step in inspiring employees to respond when they witness or experience one. Training allows for the use of practical examples and relevant topics to explain gray areas and demonstrate how unpleasant conduct that goes unchecked can become harassment or discrimination.
Sends a Powerful Message from the Management
Organizing training is an indication of management’s effort to instill moral values and discipline in an organization. With everyone mandated to participate during this session, there is no better way to communicate the organization’s zero tolerance for sexual harassment and other forms of misconduct.
Encourages People to Report Cases
Many instances of harassment and discrimination go unreported, leading to a toxic workplace. This can affect employee morale and productivity. It can also affect their relationship with customers, partners, and others. Training offers an opportunity for employees to be educated and encouraged to report incidences or potential problems that affect them.
How to Prevent Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Here are some steps to prevent this misconduct:
Drawing Communication Lines
There should be a defined communication line guiding staff members within and outside the office. Unwanted jokes, gestures, and comments on clothing should not be tolerated and those involved in this misconduct should be reported and a disciplinary action taken by the management.
Incorporate Education on Proper Workplace Conduct
As earlier stated, organizing regular training helps to educate every employee on how to conduct themselves within and outside the organization. Ensure to hire the services of professionals who use practical instances to educate trainees.
Adopt Stringent Punitive Measures
Do not let any reported case of misconduct go unchecked. Ensure to mete out severe punishment to those involved as it would serve as a deterrent to others who may be considering such actions. If you need help with how to discipline an employee, you can check here: https://www.wikihow.com/
Conclusion
Sexual harassment is one of the issues militating against the success of an organization. If left unchecked, it can affect both the employees and the management. It is important that everyone in an organization gets educated on the dangers associated with this misconduct.