The training regarding sexual harassment is a way for employers to educate their employees on what it constitutes and how to prevent it from occurring at work. These programs can help to create a more positive and respectful work environment and can help protect employees from becoming victims of sexual harassment which you can know more about on this page.
Sexual harassment is a type of discrimination that includes any requests for unwanted favors, aggressive advances or other verbal or physical activities related to sex. This can include unwanted touching, making explicit comments or jokes, sending inappropriate emails or text messages, and displaying images. The behavior also includes making threats or promises in exchange for favors and exerting power or control over another person in an improper way.
Overall, the behavior is not about the sexual act, but it’s about power and control. The harasser often uses their position of power to threaten or coerce the victim into submission. The individual may feel like they have no choice but to comply with the bully’s demands out of fear of losing their job, being demoted, or facing some other form of retaliation.
The abuse can occur between people of any gender identity or sexual orientation. It can happen between co-workers, a boss, an employee, students, teachers, or people who are not even in the same workplace. Anyone can be a victim, and anyone can be a perpetrator.
Why is Training Important?
A program that educates about bullying or harassment in the first place is important because it can help employees learn what behavior constitutes harassment and how to prevent it. Additionally, the training can help an organization create a more respectful workplace culture overall. By ensuring that all employees receive knowledge and practical advice about what they would do when inappropriate things happen to them, the company can send a strong message that they do not tolerate this type of behavior.
Who Needs them?
These seminars are typically required for all employees in a company. However, there are some circumstances where only certain individuals need to receive the training. For example, if someone reports sexual harassment to their supervisor, the supervisor may need to receive training to know how to handle the situation properly.
Additionally, if an employee transfers to a new position within a company that involves working with different people, they may need to receive additional knowledge to be aware of the company’s policy and procedures regarding sexual harassment.
Different Types of Programs
There are many ways companies can provide the proper education about sexual harassment to their employees. Here are some of them.
Watching Videos about the Topic
Creating videos makes the media more accessible to everyone. The sexual harassment training videos are more flexible, and people can watch them during their breaks or free time. This saves the student and trainer time, and this can be included as part of a company’s onboarding process. New hires might be required to watch helpful clips or an hour-long discussion before starting their jobs.
Company-Wide Programs
Many businesses organize company-wide programs where everyone can attend the same event and know what’s happening. This can be in the form of weekly meetings, retreats, parties, and other gatherings. Since it’s hard to get everyone to participate in the programs simultaneously due to their different schedules, it’s helpful to do a meeting where everyone can join as a big group. This can also track the attendees in the company.
Group Training
One of the most effective and common ways to do the training is by gathering groups and helping them talk about their experience with the company. If fewer people are involved, they might be more open to discussion, which can help HR address ongoing issues in the workplace.
What is Covered during the Program?
Quid Pro Quo
The term quid pro quo means this for that, and this is where a manager might ask an employee for some sexual favors in return for a promotion or a salary increase. If the employee feels pressured, this is considered illegal, and all parties should take action. See more about the definition of quid pro quo on this site: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/q/quidproquo.asp.
Definition of Terms
Defining sexual harassment is very important, and the programs aim to define it in the simplest manner possible. Without knowing the red flags, other people might fail to see that someone is getting harassed at work. Experts discuss further terms and details regarding implicit or explicit sexual overtones that everyone should watch out for.
Creating an Effective Program
Effective sexual harassment training should include several key components. For one, it should provide employees with a clear definition of sexual harassment. Also, the training should explain the legal consequences of engaging in these kinds of behaviors and what it would do to their image.
Many programs should include role-playing exercises or other interactive activities to help employees understand how to identify and prevent bullying in the workplace. The training should also reinforce the company’s commitment to creating a safe and respectful work environment for all employees.