Harassment and Discrimination in the Workplace

Addressing the Persistent Issue of Sexual and Workplace Harassment

In the last few years, no other ethics and compliance issue has seen as much media coverage as sexual harassment. And this can be just the tip of the iceberg. The EEOC states that majority of people who experience sexual harassment in the workplace (up to 94%) do not report it. With movements like #MeToo empowering people to speak out, employers need to all they can to protect their people and their reputation.

Creating a workplace culture where employees feel safe and respected means designing and implementing a workplace harassment prevention program that adapts to emerging issues. The political environment, social events and technological developments can all influence workplace harassment.

What you need

Report Intake & Management

Multiple ways for employees to report workplace harassment, and a secure place for reports of discrimination in the workplace to be gathered and managed.

Policy

Clear communication on your workplace harassment policy and an easy way to review and update it annually.

Training

Nimble training that provides employees with a deeper level of understanding on how to spot age, racial or religious discrimination, workplace bulling, abusive conduct and sexual harassment.

Awareness

An ongoing awareness effort to reinforce the right tone and keep anti-harassment and anti-discrimination training top of mind.

Management Buy-in

A communication program to middle managers that provides ongoing practical steps they can take to stay connected with their employees, and help prevent harassment before it starts.

Follow Through

A commitment, enforcement and accountability for policy violations as they occur.

Steps You Can Take to Build a Workplace Harassment Prevention Program That Works

Step 1: Start with a commitment from leaders at all levels of an organization. All leaders (not just compliance and HR) must actively participate in changing the workplace and holding others accountable. Join the "You Can't Delegate Ethics" campaign for expert advice and resources to own the issue of sexual harassment in your workplace.

Step 2: Determine the metrics you will use to measure program success.

Step 3: Develop the components of your workplace harassment and discrimination prevention program including updating your code of conduct, implementing and distributing harassment and discrimination policies, and providing workplace harassment training.

Step 4: Make data driven improvements to your program and seek regular program feedback.