Workplace Sexual Harrassment Season

Workplace Sexual Harrassment Season

Workplace Sexual Harrassment Season – Tis the season to be………………..Careful!!!

With the festive season fast approaching it is important to keep in mind;

* As a result of Covid and working from home it may have been a couple of years since the last office party.

* People may have forgotten the rules or how to play nice

* In my experience office parties and the combination of end of year celebrations and alcohol have resulted in an increase in sexual harassment complaints.

* I see festive season complaints starting at Melbourne cup functions and continuing up to the end of the year

It is important for organisations to be mindful that the AHRC positive duty compliance powers come into force on 12 December 2023, this year could be the testing ground, don’t be the test case!!

Workplace Sexual Harrassment Season – Advice for all employees including senior managers (who are not exempt from misbehaving when getting on the looney soup)

  1. End of year functions can be argued as being an extension of the workplace
  2. The same behavioural rules apply when it comes to workplace sexual harassment (a.k.a don’t do it)
  3. Being intoxicated is not an excuse
  4. You can be dismissed as a result of your behaviour at these events

Workplace Sexual Harrassment Season – Advice for business, organisation and employers

  1. Remember the new positive duty of care is relation to workplace sexual harassment
  2. Make sure that all you employees understand the above points
  3. Provide training before it’s too late to ensure all your employees understand what sexual harassment is, that it is unlawful and what to do if they experience or witness sexual harassment

Need help contact me – enquiries@awpti.com.au or check out my sexual harassmment training programs – details here