Navigating the New Sexual Harassment Legislation: What Businesses Need to Know
With recent changes in sexual harassment legislation, employers are now more accountable for creating safe, respectful workplaces than ever before. At CWR Consultancy, we’re here to help businesses understand and adapt to these updates. In our latest LinkedIn webinar, we explored the implications of these legislative changes, providing practical guidance on how to protect employees and maintain compliance.
Key Changes in the Legislation
The new legislation introduces several crucial shifts in employer responsibilities:
Proactive Prevention: Employers are now expected to prevent sexual harassment, not just respond to complaints. This shift requires a more proactive approach to workplace safety and culture.
Third-Party Harassment: The law now considers harassment from third parties, like clients or contractors. Employers must take reasonable steps to prevent harassment from non-employees to protect their staff fully.
Employer Accountability: Increased penalties for non-compliance highlight the importance of employer responsibility. Failing to address harassment can lead to significant financial and reputational risks.
Building a Safer Workplace: Recommended Steps for Employers
To comply with the new requirements, we recommend several practical steps to protect your team and foster a positive workplace environment:
Develop a Comprehensive Anti-Harassment Policy: Make sure your policies are clear, accessible, and known to all employees. They should outline acceptable behaviours, reporting mechanisms, and consequences for misconduct.
Conduct Regular Training: Consistent training sessions for all staff members help reinforce the importance of respectful workplace behaviour. Training should cover recognizing and reporting harassment and understanding new responsibilities under the law.
Implement Clear Reporting Channels: A simple, confidential reporting process is crucial for employees to feel safe in coming forward. Ensure that every team member understands how to report concerns and is confident that these reports will be handled sensitively.
Risk Assessments and Targeted Training: Conduct risk assessments to identify specific needs, especially for potentially vulnerable staff or high-risk settings, such as late shifts or isolated workstations. Tailor training to these situations to provide the necessary support.
Supporting Your Business with CWR Consultancy’s Expertise
Navigating these changes may seem daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. At CWR Consultancy, we offer a range of services to help you align with the new legislation, including:
Policy Creation and Review: With help from our expert associates, wecraft clear, actionable policies that comply with the latest laws, safeguarding your business and supporting your team.
Tailored Training Programs: Our training sessions equip your team with the tools to recognize, prevent, and report harassment, promoting a respectful workplace culture.
Ongoing Support and Guidance: Laws change, but with CWR Consultancy’s ongoing guidance, you can stay compliant and responsive to evolving regulations. Our experts are available to provide updates, answer questions, and conduct refresher training as needed.
Next Steps
Creating a safe, inclusive workplace is essential, not only to avoid penalties but to cultivate a thriving, positive environment for everyone. If you’re ready to take the next step in building a compliant workplace culture, get in touch with us to learn how CWR Consultancy can support your business.
For more insights and updates, watch our webinar replay or reach out to schedule a consultation.