Workplace harassment will create an uncomfortable environment for your employees to work. Being harassed will make your employees feel less energetic and motivated to work. As a business owner, you need to ensure your workplace is free of any type of harassment, whether physically or mentally. 

Through proper training, employers and business owners can prevent harassment in the workplace. Let’s know some tips to prevent harassment in your workplace, as suggested by a workplace harassment attorney.

• Develop Detailed Policies: Write a policy for your employees that contains different types of harassment. If possible, write scenarios in detail explaining how a situation can become and will be considered harassment. Many employers prefer consuming knowledge through videos. Therefore, consider creating videos depicting workplace harassment. Don’t forget to create a policy statement and convey a similar message through the training video. If you want to use the video to educate your employees, ask for updated sample videos and choose the relevant one as per your business and industry. 

• Consider Legal Help: Call the legal representatives of your company for their advice while writing a policy to prevent harassment in your workspace. Ask them to revise the policy thoroughly and ensure that it complies with the state and government laws. If there are any loopholes in the policy, your lawyer will surely highlight and change it. Remember that the anti-harassment policy of your company needs to be perfect so that your company doesn’t face any legal actions in the future. 

• Create In-Depth Training: Discuss with your company’s HR department about creating a training session that will address harassment in workplaces. The training should be applicable to every employee in your company, regardless of age, job designation, seniority, and salary. However, it’s best if you can customize the training materials as per individual levels of employees. For instance, the training material regarding anti-harassment for junior employees should be different than that for senior employees. Include what the employees need to do in case of harassment, where they need to report it, and the things they should not do. Highlight the chain system of reporting harassment in the workplace. Lastly, encourage everyone to follow a non-harassment policy to make your workspace vibrant and productive.  

Harassment will drain your employee’s energy and work ethics. Consequently, they will start searching for other jobs. If words spread that your business has a harassing work environment, it won’t be good. Therefore, ensure you take appropriate steps. 

The Importance of Open Communication

One of the key strategies to combat workplace harassment is fostering open communication. Employees should feel comfortable talking about their concerns without fear of retaliation. Setting up regular feedback sessions and open-door policies can help employees feel safe to voice their concerns. Addressing these concerns promptly and thoroughly demonstrates the company’s commitment to creating a harassment-free environment.

Incorporate Bystander Training

While most traditional anti-harassment training focuses on the victim and the perpetrator, bystander training equips employees with tools to intervene when they witness inappropriate behavior. This promotes a collective responsibility towards creating a safe environment. By teaching employees how to recognize and respond to potential harassment situations, a proactive culture against harassment can be cultivated.

Diversify the Workplace

A diversified workplace not only offers a broader range of perspectives and ideas but can also be instrumental in reducing instances of harassment. By promoting diversity and inclusion, businesses can make employees from different backgrounds, races, genders, and orientations feel valued and respected. When everyone feels included and valued, it fosters mutual respect, minimizing the chances of harassment.

Continuous Monitoring and Evaluation

Anti-harassment measures should not be static. Regularly evaluate and adjust your policies and training based on feedback and new developments. This ensures that your anti-harassment measures remain relevant and effective. Conduct anonymous surveys to gather employees’ feedback on the workplace environment. This will help in identifying potential areas of concern that might have been overlooked.

Provide Multiple Reporting Channels

Sometimes, employees might feel uncomfortable reporting harassment to their immediate supervisor, especially if the supervisor is the perpetrator. Thus, offering multiple channels, including an anonymous hotline, can encourage more victims to come forward. When victims feel that there is a genuine interest in addressing their concerns, they are more likely to report.

Promote Employee Well-being

Investing in employee well-being, like providing counselling services, can go a long way in preventing workplace harassment. Employees who are under undue stress or facing personal issues might act out in the workplace. Offering counselling services can help them address their issues constructively.

Lead by Example

Senior management plays a crucial role in shaping the company’s culture. When top management demonstrates a zero-tolerance approach towards harassment, it sends a strong message throughout the organisation. They should actively participate in training sessions, and their behavior should consistently reflect the company’s anti-harassment policies.

Conclusion

In the age of the internet, news about workplace harassment can quickly go viral and tarnish a company’s reputation. Moreover, the mental, emotional, and physical toll of harassment on victims can lead to a decrease in productivity, increased absenteeism, and high turnover rates. Therefore, businesses need to be proactive in preventing workplace harassment. By implementing stringent policies, providing continuous training, and fostering an inclusive environment, companies can create a safe and productive workspace for all.

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