Sexual Harassment at work remains rife, hardly a day goes by without another case hitting the headlines. No company, organisation or employer can afford to hide their heads in the sand and take the stance it doesn’t happen here.

UN Women UK January 2021 report on sexual harassment in open spaces found that 86% of women aged between 18 and 24 had experienced some form of sexual harassment but only 3% reported it. The general consensus being that reporting it would not make any difference.

Safeline report 63% of women aged 16-24 had been subjected to unwanted sexual behaviour at work with nearly 20% reporting that the person harassing them was their manager or a person in authority!!!!!

It is imperative that HR and Training Managers address this issue without further delay. The pending Duty to Prevent Sexual Harassment at Work will undoubtedly lead to a significant rise in the number of tribunal cases, adverse publicity and compensation payments but it is also important that we do not forget the pain suffering and anxiety sexual harassment causes, nor its impact on productivity, time off work and staff churn. There are many studies that show sexual harassment leads to PTSD !

HR and Training Managers need to work together make sure clear policies and protocols are in place, that all management and staff understand what sexual harassment looks and feels like, why it is not tolerated within the organisation and that all reports, will be followed up thoroughly with severe consequences for abusers, whatever their role or position within the company.

In the event that any disciplinary cation is appealed is vitally important that line managers can evidence that company/organisational policies and procedures have been fully cascaded, explained and agreed to by all.

No easy task but support from Concrew Training helps, find out more here

Image: harassment – later accusation, belated accusation, many years later by valeriy osipov used under CC BY 4.0