Creating a Safe Workplace: Understanding and Preventing Sexual Harassment

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Introduction

Workplace prevention of sexual harassment (sometimes abbreviated to POSH) has evolved significantly, with new legislation placing greater responsibility on employers to take proactive steps. Here’s what you need to know about creating a safer workplace and staying on top of your responsibilities.

Understanding the Scope

Recent surveys have revealed some concerning insights into workplace harassment in the UK, painting a clear picture of why POSH is so crucial.

The findings show that while 10% of employees have witnessed or experienced sexual harassment at work, almost half of these incidents go unreported. This highlights a significant trust gap in many organisations, with 43% of employees worrying about potential retaliation if they speak up, and 48% expressing a lack of trust in their senior leadership to handle such sensitive matters appropriately.

These statistics tell us that it’s not enough to just have policies in place. Environments must be created where employees feel safe and comfortable to come forward.

What Constitutes Harassment?

One of the most important steps in preventing workplace harassment is understanding how to recognise it. Harassment can be subtle or overt, and it’s crucial to be able to identify all forms it might take.

Harassment can take many forms, including:

  • Sexual comments about a person’s body, looks or clothing
  • Sharing or asking about sexual fantasies, preferences or history
  • Personal questions or comments about someone’s social or sex life (whether true or not)
  • ‘Undressing’ someone with their eyes, staring or repeatedly glancing at specific body parts
  • Suggestive visuals and gestures
  • Unwanted physical contact
stop sexual harassment

The Legal Framework

The Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023, which came into effect on 26th October 2024 brings new obligations for employers to proactively prevent harassment, including protecting against third-party harassment. This means organisations must take reasonable steps to create a safe workplace environment.

Building an Effective Prevention Strategy

The EHRC (Equality and Human Rights Commission) has developed a comprehensive 8-step guide to help employers create and maintain harassment-free workplaces.

Let’s break down these essential steps and what they mean for your organisation:

  1. Develop an effective anti-harassment policy – Create comprehensive policies that clearly define unacceptable behaviour and reporting procedures.
  2. Engage staff using surveys, interviews and 1-2-1’s – Conduct and assess surveys and interviews to understand the workplace culture and identify any potential issues.
  3. Conduct risk assessments – Assess specific risk factors and consider the risk factors that may lead to harassment in the workplace.
  4. Use reporting systems – Implement accessible reporting mechanisms, including online and telephone options.
  5. Train all managers and staff – Provide regular training for all managers and employees about recognising and preventing harassment so they understand what it is and what to do.
  6. Dealing with complaints – When a harassment complaint is made, handle it immediately, respectfully and confidentially.
  7. Documentation – Notify third parties, report complaints, and document personal outcomes.
  8. Monitor and evaluate – Regularly monitor and evaluate your POSH measures through surveys etc.

Creating Change

Making real change isn’t just about having the right policies on paper. Organisations must foster a culture of respect. This means creating an environment where employees feel safe to report concerns, knowing they have full support.

This cultural shift transforms harassment prevention from a policy requirement into a fundamental workplace value.

Conclusion

Need Support?

Creating a harassment-free workplace requires commitment and expertise. At Petaurum HR, we’re here to help you develop and implement effective prevention strategies that work for your organisation. Find the guide here.

Get in touch to discuss how we can support you:

📧 [email protected]

📞 01522 719438

🌐 www.petaurumhr.co.uk

Let’s make your workplace safer together.