What can you do about women safety in Indian workplaces?

I am writing this note almost after a week of brewing over my own thoughts and emotions. I am in the business of advising companies on setting safe workplace practices for women at work (commonly known as POSH Advisor) and every day I have nine leaders saying no or haggling over costing, and one who is sincere and is dedicated to this agenda. Kolkata incident has shook everyone and I am still wondering why this country and its most educated people need something so extreme to understand that how unsafe the world is for women and how crucial it is for the workplace leaders to take up their role seriously and with sincerity. I sit in front of them/you trying to convince you every day to put in preventive measures for the safety of women associated with your workplaces- so what has changed? In the last one week, as I heard many of the same leaders asking me what I am doing about this incident, what am I going to do about it, whether I am writing a column or not or whether I am going to be posting a video about it or not, I decided to just write this- to let them know what can they do. I am doing my bit every day. It is time for the world of corporate leaders to do their bit.

As a member of the LinkedIn community, you're likely in a position of influence, whether you realize it or not. You might be thinking, "But I'm not a CEO or a high-level executive." That's okay. If you're reading this, chances are you're an HR professional, a team leader, a manager, or perhaps a founder of a small business. Each of these roles carries the power to effect change.

So, what can you do? How can you channel your anger and frustration into meaningful action? The answer lies in making your workspaces safer, not just for women, but for everyone.

As professionals, you can't afford to feel helpless about incidents like the recent tragedy in Kolkata. Start by asking: "Is our workspace truly safe for women? What potential risks exist?" Then, take action:

1. Late-night work: Provide safe transportation options for employees working outside regular hours.
2. Business travel: Partner with reputable hotels and ensure secure accommodations.
3. Field work: Implement robust systems for staying connected with employees on the road. Consider providing personal safety devices or apps.
4. Office layout: Evaluate your workspace design. Ensure well-lit areas, clear sightlines, and easily accessible emergency exits.
5. Training: Conduct regular safety awareness and self-defense workshops for all employees.
6. Reporting mechanisms: Establish clear, confidential channels for reporting safety concerns or incidents.
7. Client interactions: Set guidelines for meetings with clients, especially in non-office settings.
8. Company events: Ensure all company gatherings prioritize safety, including transportation and venue selection.
9. Remote work: Develop protocols to support the safety of employees working from home or in co-working spaces.
10. Vendor vetting: Implement thorough background checks for all on-site vendors and service providers.
11. Get POSH Compliant: Yes. There is a reason why this law was curated and mandated. Only you have not been able to understand this.

This list is just a starting point. The key is to begin the conversation within your organization and to commit to ongoing improvement. Safety isn't a one-time fix; it's an evolving process that requires constant attention and adaptation. Moreover, by implementing these measures, you're not just protecting your employees – you're setting a standard for your industry and your community. You're sending a powerful message that safety is a non-negotiable priority.

Remember, change starts with individual actions. You don't need to overhaul your entire organization overnight. Start with one item on this list. Implement it thoroughly. Then move on to the next.

As professionals and leaders, you have a responsibility that extends beyond our job descriptions. You have the power to shape work cultures, influence policies, and ultimately, make a difference in people's lives.

So, I challenge you: What will you do this week to make your workplace safer? Share your commitments in the comments. Let's learn from each other and hold ourselves accountable.

Together, you can turn your collective outrage into a force for positive change. It's not just about reacting to tragedies – it's about proactively creating environments where such incidents become increasingly rare.

Make safety a cornerstone of your professional ethics. Your colleagues, your teams, and your communities are counting on you. Don't just sit and wonder as to what can you do. You can do a lot. Only if you want to.

I'm writing this with a heavy heart and a sense of urgency. Every time I hear about another incident, another woman feeling unsafe in her workplace, I'm reminded of how far we still have to go. It's easy to express outrage on social media, to shake our heads in dismay. But what's harder – and far more important – is taking concrete action. I challenge each of you reading this: What will you do differently tomorrow? How will you use your position, no matter how big or small, to make your workplace safer? We can't afford to wait for the next tragedy to spur us into action. We can't keep saying "someone should do something" when that someone is us. I am doing my bit and the responsibility lies with each of us. So I ask you, not as a LinkedIn connection, but as a fellow human being: Are you ready to step up? Are you ready to be the change we so desperately need? Because if not us, then who? If not now, then when?