As effective as it can be to call out sexual harassment when it happens, it is only a temporary solution to a problem that may happen again. Instead, it may be better to address it directly. As a business owner, one of the best ways to stop sexual harassment is to do everything in your power to prevent it from happening in the first place.
What can you do to stop sexual harassment in the workplace?
According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), sexual harassment refers to unwanted sexual advances, whether physical or verbal, that affect one’s ability to work. In Kentucky, there are many steps a business owner can take to reduce the risks of sexual harassment in the workplace, including:
- Establish clear company policies: Creating policies that clearly define what sexual harassment is, how you can report it when it happens and what the punishments are can reduce cases in the workplace.
- Develop a culture of respect: Fostering a positive work environment that empowers people, makes them feel safe and reinforces respectful behaviors can potentially reduce the risks of sexual harassment.
- Train your employees: Teaching your employees how to conduct themselves in the workplace, as well as how to act if they witness sexual harassment, empowers them to take action.
- Encourage communication: Letting people know that they can report their harassers safely and without fear of identification creates an environment that can foster trust and open communication.
- Take it seriously: Taking immediate action with zero tolerance helps establish that the company is serious about protecting its employees and reducing cases of sexual harassment.
By empowering your employees, you can create a safe environment where victims can speak up. While it may be impossible to stop the problem entirely, you can do your part to ensure that every employee knows there is no tolerance for harassment in the workplace.
Why is stopping sexual harassment so important?
Sexual harassment does not just reduce a person’s ability to work, but it is also a form of discrimination in Kentucky. To keep your workplace safe, it is important to educate and empower your employees. Preventing harassment in all its forms protects people from distress, boosts morale and potentially increases productivity.