Sexual misconduct is a societal ail deeply entrenched in the world. It is a problem that affects people of both genders, ages, and backgrounds. There is a prevailing culture of silence and shame that helped these acts continue for too long. This stance lets the perpetrator get away and leaves the survivors suffering in silence. However, there is a slow awakening to the dangers of sexual misconduct, particularly in the workplace. The rise of the #MeToo movement across the world is an essential step to reducing workplace sexual assault against women and promoting a safe work environment.
Understanding Workplace sexual assault
There is a wide range of behaviors that encompass workplace sexual assault. It ranges from simple verbal harassment to non-consenting sexual favors. Research conducted by a firm in the United States indicates a very startling fact. One in three women and one in six men experience a form of workplace sexual assault during their lifetime.
Types of workplace sexual assault
Workplace sexual assault constitutes any unwanted sexual comments, advances, or gestures that create an unsafe office space. The issue can happen in an office space, educational institution, or event.
Effects of working women
Sexual harassment has serious negative effects on the victim and on the women who experience it secondhand. In some cases, the woman risks losing her job or risks losing an important promotion for not providing the sexual demands required. In other cases, the actions of the co-worker create hostile working conditions. Such an environment often puts pressure on the woman to leave her job. In extreme cases, the employee is traumatized by the incident that they are unable to do their job properly.
Equal Rights Advocates, a women’s law center in the United States researched the effects of workplace sexual assault. According to their data, more than 90% of sexually assaulted women develop a debilitating stress reaction. Examples include anxiety, headaches, weight loss, nausea, depression, sleep disorders, reduced self-esteem, etc.
The far-reaching implications of workplace sexual assault on women cannot be ignored. This problem has a demoralizing effect that prevents women from asserting themselves in the workplace. Severe harassment creates an oppressive workspace where women are forced to find other jobs. Otherwise, they are forced to remain silent for fear of reprisal.
Breaking the silence
Shining a light on the illness that is workplace sexual assault is essential for numerous reasons. Primarily, it provides a platform for the victims to share their stories. It also encourages others to come forward and create a community of solidarity and care. Lastly, (and most importantly) it creates public awareness about the issue and a necessary response that demands change and accountability.
Promoting a safe work environment
There is a need for companies and business owners to step up their efforts to curb workplace sexual assault. Put simply, as long as a company lets such problems continue under its watch, the company will struggle in the long term.
So then, what measures can a company take to prevent these issues from ever cropping up?
Establishing a zero tolerance policy
This point is a must-have for any company. A zero tolerance policy indicates where the company draws the line. Employees are expected to stay within that line or risk severe consequences. It indicates a behavior that is and isn’t acceptable.
Before implementing a zero tolerance policy, take great care in defining the rules. The policy must be clear, concise, and not open to any interpretation. Additionally, you should regularly review the zero tolerance policy and update it where necessary. Staying updated on the relevant laws and procedures related to workplace sexual assault helps you incorporate them into the company’s policies.
Educating employees
Companies should regularly conduct workshops and training programs and shed light on workplace sexual assault. These events help employees on seeing, preventing, and reporting workplace misconduct. Also, consider holding self-defense classes for women. That way, they can defend themselves when in a difficult spot.
Create a system for reporting workplace misconduct
One of the best ways to curb workplace sexual assault is creating a confidential reporting system. You can develop the system internally or use third-party tools. Solutions like I’m Safe Org have an anonymous reporting system designed for reporting workplace misconduct. The tool helps management root out the bad elements and protect the female employees. The solutions come equipped with other notable features that help in promoting a safe work environment. All this while maintaining the user’s privacy and ensuring their safety.
So then, what measures can a company take to prevent these issues from ever cropping up?
Promote gender equality in the workplace
You can use the training programs and workshops to promote gender equality in the workplace. Inform the employees of the benefits that come from a safe work environment and why they should help make that happen. Create and implement equal opportunities for all employees while addressing any gender problems the female employees face. This effort goes a long way toward promoting a safe work environment.
Strictly maintain the guidelines provided by the PoSH laws
Companies residing in India can always rely on the PoSH Act when defining their Zero tolerance policy. The Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) Act protects working women from any form of sexual harassment. Company management can familiarize themselves with the PoSH laws that apply to their jurisdiction. Adhering to these guidelines, the company takes essential steps to prevent any instance of workplace sexual assault from happening.
Empowering Employees and Fostering Accountability through I’m Safe App
The I’m Safe app provides a confidential and secure platform for employees to report workplace misconduct without fear of retaliation. By offering an anonymous complaint raising feature, the app empowers individuals to speak up and share their experiences, ensuring that every voice is heard and every incident is properly addressed. This crucial tool not only encourages victims to come forward but also helps management identify and eliminate perpetrators, fostering a culture of accountability.
Moreover, the I’m Safe app goes beyond just reporting incidents. It offers a comprehensive PoSH management suite, allowing companies to establish and enforce a zero tolerance policy effectively. With this suite, companies can define clear guidelines, communicate policies, and track compliance, ensuring that everyone understands what constitutes acceptable behavior in the workplace. Regular updates and integration with relevant laws and procedures further strengthen the company’s approach to preventing workplace sexual assault.
Conclusion
Many of the steps provided here are already in force in many companies. However, the incidents of workplace sexual assault continue. That means that companies must strictly enforce these measures or create new ones. By doing that, they take the necessary steps to confront and stop sexual misconduct against women.