What Proactive Steps Can Supervisors Take To Combat Sexual Harassment ?
We can see and hear about the sexual harassment around us or may also end up as victim in our place of employment. Sexual harassment is now common in this competitive world. So, there arises a basic need for countries to enact laws to govern the problem related to the sexual harassment. The laws of most countries insist that employers put up certain rules and regulations to avoid this kind of behavior at work places. |
Organizations have come up with certain policies against sexual harassment and lay down those policies in the work places. Supervisors must take necessary actions to check whether the policies have reached all the subordinates working under him/her, so that there is no scope for harassment.
Workers in the organization must be educated about the policies against sexual harassment and also sensitivity training. And, supervisors must make sure that all subordinates get their training without fail to prevent incidences of sexual harassment.
Supervisors must make it clear to subordinates that any kind of harassment, especially sexual harassment, will not be entertained in the working premises. They can also make sure that the employees knows the sexual harassment policies and how to report the complaints if they encounter with one. Supervisors must monitor whether the complaints can be made easily without any kind of fear. This will ensure that victims come forward and report incidences. This will also help the organization to conduct proper investigations.
Furthermore, supervisors must be role models to the employees in their behavior as well. They should follow the policies set up by the organization. If supervisors do not follow policies, it gives others an opportunity to also disregard them. Trainings must be arranged at regular intervals by the supervisor to re-educate staff about acceptable conduct at the workplace, while highlighting the consequences of misconduct. These kinds of training would help employees become aware of the impact of sexual harassment and prevent them from indulging in such acts and behavior.
Supervisors must make it clear to employees that if any kind of sexual harassment is found, they must immediately report it to the concerned office. Alternatively, the supervisor must bring it to the notice of the relevant authorities. Sexual harassment complaints are usually forwarded to the HR of the firm. Supervisors should also monitor interactions between subordinates to ensure that no harassment is taking place. If something looks suspicious, the supervisor has the right to ask an employee whether everything is fine. If the employee seems upset, the supervisor should spend some time finding out what is troubling her. While usually women are subject to sexual harassment at workplaces, at times even men can be at the receiving end. Hence, supervisors should have an open mind on this subject.
Taking these proactive steps, supervisors can ensure that their workplace is free of sexual harassment.
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What Proactive Steps Can Supervisors Take To Combat Sexual Harassment
Harassment of someone gives an uncomfortable feeling even to people who are not directly harassed. Stopping harassment therefore is not only the task of the victim, but also of the people witnessing it. One can report harassment to higher authorities or ask the wrongdoer to stop. In case the harasser or his activities are not stopped, the perpetrator will pick new victims and continue harassing them. Remember, unless one decides and deals with harassment, it will not come to a halt. Hence, steps must be taken to deal with the harassment, regardless of how unpleasant or embarrassing it may feel. 
