Why Addressing Sexual Harassment at Workplace Is Vital and How to Effectively Combat It

For a long time, individuals have been struggling with sexual harassment at the workplace without any support or action from others. Because of this, victims found it very challenging to come forward and do something about their situation.

Luckily, things are starting to look up, and employees are beginning to see the changes in the general approach towards sexual harassment at their workplace.

The main reason for this is workplace harassment training, which provides employees and supervisors with much-needed information about workplace harassment and how to combat it effectively.

If you’d just like to get a concise overview of the topic, you’re in the right place.

What constitutes workplace sexual harassment?

The term sexual harassment is quite broad, and it can refer to different things. When it comes to workplace sexual harassment, it typically takes two forms:

• Quid Pro Quo – a victim receives a salary raise, promotion, continued employment, better working conditions, or any other job benefit in return for a sexual favor.

• Harassment – a victim experiences a hostile working environment, humiliation, intimidation, blackmailing, or any other strictly forbidden behavior if they don’t accept sexual advances.

If you’re still not sure how to recognize an inappropriate behavior at the workplace, any of the following actions are considered to be its typical examples:

• Physical

Physical sexual harassment at the workplace includes unnecessary proximity, touching, or any kind of physical violence.

• Verbal

Verbal sexual harassment implies sexually suggestive comments, comments about physical appearance, and inappropriate questions about private life, especially love life.

• Gestures

Display of sexual devices and materials, sexually suggestive gestures, and even whistling can be considered intolerable sexual gestures at the workplace.

Sexual Harassment in the Present Context

Sexual harassment doesn’t always have to take place in a traditional office setup. There’s also what is called virtual sexual harassment. People working from home or in an extended office are usually vulnerable to this form of harassment.

Sexually suggestive remarks or acts during voice or video calls can be termed sexual harassment. Similarly, like in-person harassment, virtual sexual harassment can include the act of showing pornographic material and demanding sexual favors over the Internet.

Even emails and messages can also be used to send any content of sexual nature.

Besides, any gesture or conduct that interferes with the peaceful work atmosphere of an employee and makes them feel uncomfortable and violated can be considered sexual harassment.

Proper training on a virtual code of conduct can go a long way in preventing online sexual harassment.

Why addressing sexual harassment at the workplace is vital

More and more companies are taking initiatives and doing their part by addressing sexual harassment in the workplace. However, you might be wondering why do companies need to address these issues in the first place?

Addressing sexual harassment is vital, and here’s why:

• Motivates employees to refrain from such activities

Sometimes, people get carried away by emotions and forget they’re doing something wrong. In those cases, an online sexual harassment training course is more than enough to motivate your workers to refrain from such activities. Even if there’s no sexual harassment taking place, it’s never a bad idea to remind your staff sexual harassment won’t be tolerated. You can consider a code of conduct course or ethical training programs to educate employees.

• Encourages victims to come forward

Victims of workplace sexual harassment rarely come forward and say what’s going on, simply because there’s not enough support or they’re afraid of how other people will react. So, addressing sexual harassment is vital since it encourages and empowers individuals to come forward with their experiences and stop them.

• It helps employees recognize and deal with it correctly

Even if your employees aren’t victims of workplace harassment, they should be informed about it if they need to act upon it. Many workers saw harassment happening in front of their eyes but simply didn’t know how to approach this issue as eyewitnesses. By addressing harassment, your employees will learn how to respond and deal with similar actions taking place in their company.

• Reminds people of company policies and rules

Company policies and rules tend to be forgotten after some time, especially if your staff has been a part of the team for a while. Addressing harassment is an excellent way to summarize your company’s main principles and which actions are tolerable or intolerable.

How to effectively combat workplace sexual harassment

Sexual harassment is a sensitive and delicate topic and so it should be approached with caution and care. Finding the best way to approach workplace sexual harassment can be a long and complex process. Moreover, choosing the proper methods, techniques, and tools for combating workplace harassment might be the key to successful outcomes.

Nevertheless, with an online sexual harassment training course, now you can openly discuss the issue without worrying whether you’re making your employees uncomfortable, embarrassed, or ashamed.

The materials help the community learn everything about sexual harassment at the workplace and provide an excellent educational source. These courses are designed to equip individuals with the required skills and knowledge concerning workplace sexual harassment, including how to respond to sexual advances, exit a toxic arrangement, or what to do as an eyewitness.

What to do if you or someone you know is sexually harassed at work

It’s pretty common to have trouble finding the right way to respond to sexual harassment, which is why this short guide can help you act in the best way possible.

• Know your rights

If you’re a victim of sexual harassment, it’s essential to know your rights and what rightfully belongs to you. Don’t be afraid to say no, and always stand your ground.

• Show support

If you’re an eyewitness, it’s crucial to show support to the victim. Don’t push them to do anything they are afraid of since that’ll traumatize them even more. Instead, help them overcome the incident and stand by their side once they’re ready to put a stop to it.

Put an End to Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Sexual harassment is a crucial topic that should be openly discussed. Although harassment isn’t a new occurrence at work, it has only recently gotten the attention it deserves. With multiple laws passed and various organizations formed, sexual harassment is taken very seriously nowadays.

Nevertheless, numerous people still aren’t informed about the basics, which is why a workplace harassment training program might be just what you’re looking for. They equip your entire company with extensive knowledge about this topic and prepare your employees for all the possible situations.

Furthermore, online sexual harassment training courses are here for all companies working remotely or looking for a more affordable but equally effective solution for their workers.

With these two options available, your company and staff will be prepared for all kinds of situations and resolve them efficiently.