Tackling Sexual Harassment at Work

Introduction

With the recent media coverage and ‘Me Too’ campaign, sexual harassment in the workplace is a serious problem and when not managed effectively, there are severe consequences for the organisation.  This includes reduced productivity, low team morale, an increase in staff turnover and negative impact on organisational reputation. Its complexity continues to pose a challenge to those seeking to prevent and manage negative behaviours.

Organisations who take proactive measures in managing sexual harassment in the workplace set up systems where employees can report concerns without the fear of potential reprisals or adverse consequences. The desired outcome being employees who feel reassured that concerns are taken seriously and dealt with effectively, ensuring the values and ethos of the ‘right to respect and dignity in the workplace’ are maintained.

This course aims to reduce the risk of sexual harassment claims and help organisations give a clear message about the value of respect and dignity, reiterating that sexual harassment will not be tolerated.

Who is this training course for?

This training can be adapted to suit anyone in the organisation – from board members and senior management teams, to managers and those with no management responsibility.

Course Content

This programme provides an understanding of the definition of sexual harassment within the context of organisational responsibility, management responsibility and the legal framework.

The session also considers:

• the (negative) impact of sexual harassment on the individual, team and organisation
• strategies which can be implemented to manage inappropriate behaviour by nipping it
  in the bud and thereby fostering good relations

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, participants will:

• Be aware of the definition of sexual harassment at work
• Recognise the value of creating a culture of respect and dignity
• Understand the context of the Equality Act 2010
• Think carefully about the impact of making assumptions and stereotyping, in relation to banter & jokes
• Know the difference between sexism, sexual harassment and sexual assault
• Reflect on the statistics provided by CIPD and TUC
• Identify and differentiate between effective interaction and harassment using the Intention vs Impact model including the ‘drip, drip’ concept
• Become more equipped in challenging/managing inappropriate behaviour
• Consider the value of the ‘open door’ policy

This interactive course will be adaptable to meet the needs of the participants and will be participative.  Due to the expertise and experience of the facilitator, queries will be responded to in a sensitive and understanding manner.  Taking into consideration that the concept of Diversity, Respect and Dignity and its incorporation into good work practice can be highly emotive, the training style and method will model respect and dignity.

The training session will:

• Draw on the knowledge and expertise of the trainer
• Focus on productive staff relations and effective service delivery
• Consider the value of effective interaction skills
• Include case law, anecdotes, vignettes and anonymous ‘true life’ situations
• Work within the frame of legislation and organisations policies

Manager’s Version

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