Prevent Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

sexual harassment in the workplace

February 21, 2022

Pro-EAP Team

 

 

Sexual harassment in the workplace is unfortunately a common situation.

Sexual harassment is an unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature and a serious common issue for many companies.

The UK Government published their response to their consultation on sexual harassment in the workplace in July 2021. The Response affirmed that this is an issue many employees experience.

Saying: “Everyone should be able to live and work without the fear of encountering violence or harassment. That is why this government is committed to tackling sexual harassment in all its forms.”

On their public questionnaire they received 4,215 responses. As a result, 54% said they had experienced sexual harassment in the workplace, 36% said they had not and 11% left this blank or said they didn’t know.

In addition, 62% of the responses were women, 19% men, 0.2% non-binary or gender fluid, and 19% didn’t say.

Are employers responsible for sexual harassment at work?

Yes, by law employers are responsible. They must do everything they can to protect their staff from sexual harassment in the workplace as well as protect employee’s wellbeing.

Certainly, taking action and investing in workplace wellbeing is important for the business and staff’s mental health. Therefore, nurturing the workplace with information around this topic is good business sense.

Many employers offer workshops covering different areas, for example a Sexual Harassment or Bullying Workshop.

 

How can a Sexual Harassment Workshop help prevention?

A workshop will provide members of staff with the tools to identify and deal with cases where sexual harassment is present. It will also empower them to take action when they see any unwanted behaviour. Our workshop can also cover harassment from a legal perspective.

We all have a responsibility to prevent sexual harassment. Whether it’s happening to ourselves or if we notice it happening to someone else. Our workshop will cover topics such as:

  • Identifying behaviours
  • Dealing with harassment
  • Reaching out
  • Support available

Depending on the needs of the organisation the workshop will have a reactive plan. That means, a helpline to get guidance and support is available for staff.

That is to say, the workshop can also cover bullying and sexual harassment in the workplace.

 

Measures You Can Take Against Sexual Harassment in the workplace

  1. Involve Line Managers
  2. Ensure employees have access to an Employee Assistance Programme
  3. Have an anti-harassment policy
  4. Provide a Workshop on preventing Sexual Harassment in the workplace
  5. Create safe-spaces

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