Sexual Harassment warning
Sexual Harassment warning to employers – New research offers a stark warning to employers about the overwhelming numbers of staff who would consider leaving their workplace if sexual harassment is not treated as a serious issue.
Research by Our Watch funded by the Department of Social Services, revealed the results of a survey of leaders and employees in medium to large workplaces, showing that 83% of female and 67% of male employees would consider leaving a job that didn’t treat workplace sexual harassment as a serious issue.
In addition the research also revealed that despite recent regulatory changes to the Sex Discrimination Act, following recommendations from the Respect@Work report 2020 where employers now have a positive duty to take all reasonable and proportionate measures steps to prevent and eliminate sexual harassment and workplace discrimination on the grounds of sex 40% of workplace leaders are not aware of their new legal obligations and only 76% of leaders know that workplace sexual harassment was illegal.
These figures are both staggering and extremely concerning. This research is discussed in the following articles
Sexual Harassment warning to employers – What does treating workplace sexual harassment as a serious issue and the positive duty mean?
It means
1, Having a policy in place that is up to date and clearly defines what sexual harassment is, that it is unlawful and what to do if an employee is subjected to or witnesses sexual harassment in the workplace.
2. Ensuring that all your employees know about the policy and where and how to access it.
3. Having training in place that supports the policy and reinforces what sexual harassment is, that it is unlawful and what to do if an employee is subjected to or witnesses sexual harassment in the workplace.
In addition to this, for leaders and managers it is important that they receive training in the above and also what to do if an employee reports workplace sexual harassment or they become aware or even suspect that sexual harassment is occurring.
Based on the research Is recommended that an investment in training is preferable to losing good staff and or developing a culture or reputation where sexual harassment is tolerated in your workplace, in addition you don’t want to be the next headline.
Not sure what to do?
AWPTI provides a number of training options for your employees and your managers to help you to be proactive and satisfy the positive duty details here – https://awpti.com.au/sexual-harassment-training-provider/
