The bottom line is: sexual harassment is unlawful and as an employer, it’s your
responsibility to ensure it doesn’t occur.
The “Workplace” Isn’t Confined To Your Business Address!
Sexual harassment isn’t confined to your business premises. It includes work-related events
or interactions between employees outside of work. In addition, it includes contractors,
casuals and clients as well as part- and full-time employees.
or interactions between employees outside of work. In addition, it includes contractors,
casuals and clients as well as part- and full-time employees.
Sexual harassment can be physical, verbal or written. The key point to remember is that it
makes the recipient feel offended, humiliated or intimidated. Examples include:
makes the recipient feel offended, humiliated or intimidated. Examples include:
- Suggestive comments or risqué jokes
- Unwelcome invitations to go on a date
- Unnecessary familiarity such as touching or deliberately brushing up against a person
- And of course more obvious behaviours such as asking for sex
Under Law, You Are Responsible For The Actions Of Your Workers
As an employer, you are considered vicariously liable if unlawful sexual harassment occurs.
This means you need to:
- Educate staff about inappropriate behaviours
- Respond promptly to allegations of sexual harassment
- Have well-documented policies and procedures in place
- Continuously implement those policies and procedures – don’t just leave them on the shelf!
End2End Business Solutions Can Help You With:
- Developing policies for handling sexual harassment allegations
- Updating your existing sexual harassment procedures
- Training staff on how to avoid inappropriate behaviours
- Guiding managers on how to manage allegations of sexual harassment
- Impartial investigation of sexual harassment claims
For more information call End2End Business Solutions on 02 8977 4002.