sexual harassment at workplace

Why has sexual harassment at workplace should be identified and stopped at the very start.

The reputation of the company is the last thing that much come into mind when prevention of sexual harassment happens at workplace. Providing a safe and comfortable workplace for all the employees be it a man or woman is the main duty of any organisation. It gains loyalty and confidence when all the employees walk into work everyday. Fearing a specific person due to their position and hold they have in office shouldn't stop one to raise their voice to say "no" or to expose them to the company HR. Why is POSH training necessary for any company?

1. Awareness

Identifying your assaulter and being able to differentiate genuine friendliness with a hidden cause must be taught to employees. Especially for business which run with people from all background. For say Facility management business deals with providing manpower from housekeepings, technicians, maintenance and much more. People who work as housekeepers wouldn't be from a intellectual background hence why making them understand the HR policy and safety the company provides them is important for them to not fall victim to such assault.

Acknowledging what a good and bad behaviour really is. Identifying the difference between a good and bad touch. Unwelcome behaviour simply means where any form of unwanted verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature occurs, with the purpose or effect of violating the dignity of a person, in particular when creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment

The statement,?“You look good” is a compliment, whereas?“You dressed well today. This is an easy example. But most of the times, it is difficult to differentiate between harassment and a compliment. Hence when someone at workplace makes a ”not- so-appropriate” comment, women may wonder whether the statement was a genuine compliment or sexual harassment. Even though they may feel uncomfortable about it, they may keep quiet because they are not sure.

Got a ‘special meeting’ with your super boss?”?is clearly sexual harassment.

2. Cannot show pictures related to physical appearance or colour

Sexual harassment cannot only be by physically or verbally asking for sexual favours. It can also be as subtle as just referring to an adult movie/scene, sharing obscene pictures or hiding any of the above in a casual joke. Objectifying your physical appearance to anything or anyone. Showing obscene pictures, pornography or hinting of any such unwelcome references to the opposite sex must strictly be prohibited in a workplace. And anyone who identifies to be such predators much be taken strict actions for.

3. Physical advantage

Any physical advancement in exchange of a favour at workplace is illegal. Casually touching oneself in appropriate places or in private while you are at work can be reported under sexual harassment. Any unwelcome kind of physical contact that makes a person uncomfortable is categorised as sexual harassment. Patting on a person’s back, rubbing someone’s shoulder, putting hand over the shoulder, subtly brushing against another person’s body, physically blocking a person’s movement, or even leaning closer to a person are some subtle forms of sexual harassment. Some of these may look unintentional, but if the person at the receiving end finds it uncomfortable, and the behaviour continues, it can be considered as sexual harassment.

Unwanted deliberate touching, leaning over, cornering, or pinching.

4. Demanding of sex

Conversations about a person’s sex life, using sexual innuendos in conversation, making jokes of sexual nature, etc. can create a hostile work environment and are examples of sexual harassment, especially, if the conversation is unwelcome and the person at the other end is not comfortable with it. It is also sexual harassment if

an employee is forced to share intimate details of their personal life. The speaker cannot brush it off as “it was just a joke” or “I did not mean to offend you”. Always be mindful about the people around you when having such conversations. Abuse sound ( whistle, winking, using unusual words, no nick names, jokes, no calls, or messages outside workplace)

4. How to handle it?

Every company will have a HR policy against sexual harassment. Talk to the right person and acknowledge them of what exactly is happening and why it's bothering you. Be clear and specific on details, even say for how long it is happening and around whom it is taking place. Never be afraid as it is illegal to indulge in such activities at work. Give your company some time for them to observe the convict and confirm of the wrong doings, to take action.

We at Envirotech Facility Management take POSH training seriously as we thrive in providing a safe place for all our employees. We make sure to educate and give confidence to our employees for them to come up when they fall victim to such situations.

Sexual harassment can happen to both sexes so we do train women and men on separate sessions.

No matter what your designation at a company may be, learn to say no if it feels wrong or is something out of your comfort zone. No one pays us to do tasks that is not of our designated role. And no one can promise you a position in the company or any special treatment I exchange of sexual favours. Indulging in unethical behaviour can question our morals and later acting as a victim can be avoided by the employee itself. Learn to hold your dignity and self respect before any designation, raise, or money as such.

Remember that dealing with such situations not only makes you safe but also for the future employee who might take your seat when you move on. Being silent, only gives more power to the assaulter and give him courage to blatantly continue his wrong doings. Even if you decide to leave the organisation due to bad memories or for your own mental health, raise your voice before you do so. Make it clear to your employer why you have decided to leave, so the next person to take up that role is in safe hands.

Lets stop sexual harassment today!!