Top 5 Ways to Prevent Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Sexual harassment prevention in the workplace is an area that many employers overlook. The truth is that putting an end to sexual harassment and abuse is an integral part of creating a positive and productive working environment.

1. Give sexual harassment a definition.
It is essential to define sexual harassment and make sure everybody is aware of what can be offensive or harmful in the workplace. Sexual harassment usually refers to unwelcome and unwarranted sexual advances. Undesired requests for sexual favors also fall into the category of harassment. Any words or actions intended to initiate sexual contact might also be considered harassment. Lay out the bad effects of harassment and explain how it can create an intimidating and offensive work environment that is not conducive to work performance.

2. Create a policy to deal with harassment.
The company’s anti-harassment policy should be made official. It should be formal, written down and ready to share. Each employee should have a copy. Employers should demonstrate that they are taking steps toward preventing sexual harassment by having a chain of command to deal with ending it. The consequences and punishments associated with harassment should be clearly outlined.

3. Resolve problems quickly.
An employer should show that he or she takes complaints of sexual harassment seriously. As soon as somebody files a report, initiate an investigation that follows the outline of the anti-harassment policy. Interview each person involved to obtain knowledge about the incident. Be fair, thorough and above all, confidential. Showing initiative demonstrates that sexual harassment is a serious offense.

4. Remove the taboo of speaking up against harassment.
Make sure that employees feel comfortable reporting any sexual harassment they encounter. Many people feel uncomfortable or embarrassed to speak up about any offensive or abusive behavior they have encountered, often out of fear they will be called sensitive or prudish. A comfortable working environment allows everybody to step forward when they feel that something is wrong.

5. Create a workplace that eliminates offensive and derogatory jokes, posters and conversations.
It is not a good idea to let discriminatory jokes and stories slide. It sets a bad precedent and does not allow you to eliminate sexual harassment from the office.

Keeping the workplace free of sexual harassment makes work comfortable and employees more productive and content. Prevention and deterrence work together to make each place of employment ideal for employees who trust their co-workers and superiors. Sexual harassment prevention in the workplace is an area that many employers overlook. The truth is that putting an end to sexual harassment and abuse is an integral part of creating a positive and productive working environment.

1. Give sexual harassment a definition.
It is essential to define sexual harassment and make sure everybody is aware of what can be offensive or harmful in the workplace. Sexual harassment usually refers to unwelcome and unwarranted sexual advances. Undesired requests for sexual favors also fall into the category of harassment. Any words or actions intended to initiate sexual contact might also be considered harassment. Lay out the bad effects of harassment and explain how it can create an intimidating and offensive work environment that is not conducive to work performance.

2. Create a policy to deal with harassment.
The company’s anti-harassment policy should be made official. It should be formal, written down and ready to share. Each employee should have a copy. Employers should demonstrate that they are taking steps toward preventing sexual harassment by having a chain of command to deal with ending it. The consequences and punishments associated with harassment should be clearly outlined.

3. Resolve problems quickly.
An employer should show that he or she takes complaints of sexual harassment seriously. As soon as somebody files a report, initiate an investigation that follows the outline of the anti-harassment policy. Interview each person involved to obtain knowledge about the incident. Be fair, thorough and above all, confidential. Showing initiative demonstrates that sexual harassment is a serious offense.

4. Remove the taboo of speaking up against harassment.
Make sure that employees feel comfortable reporting any sexual harassment they encounter. Many people feel uncomfortable or embarrassed to speak up about any offensive or abusive behavior they have encountered, often out of fear they will be called sensitive or prudish. A comfortable working environment allows everybody to step forward when they feel that something is wrong.

5. Create a workplace that eliminates offensive and derogatory jokes, posters and conversations.
It is not a good idea to let discriminatory jokes and stories slide. It sets a bad precedent and does not allow you to eliminate sexual harassment from the office.

Keeping the workplace free of sexual harassment makes work comfortable and employees more productive and content. Prevention and deterrence work together to make each place of employment ideal for employees who trust their co-workers and superiors.

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