We are all aware that sexual harassment is a major issue in the world, especially for women. Following a survey published in 2017, 65% of Americans feel that sexual harassment in the workplace is a serious issue. Employees all throughout the world even are becoming more and more aware of this problem.
A lot of businesses have begun introducing sexual harassment training in the facility, to protect all of their employees as well as the reputation of their companies. Even online sexual harassment courses are becoming extremely popular among firms in the United States of America. And for a good reason.
There should always be consequences for those that engage into sexual harassment and are intentionally making others feel uncomfortable day by day. This issue can affect the mental state of others and make them want to quit the workplace, decrease productivity, and so much more.
The truth is that this problem is still occurring throughout the world. Still, at least it’s good to know that businesses have started taking it more and more seriously. If you own a business, you should do that as well. Go to https://www.sexualharassmentprevention.net/what-is-the-danger-of-ignoring-workplace-sexual-harassment to learn more.
Why is it so important?
Men and women are increasingly concerned about sexual harassment at work, as previously stated. As you may have seen, these concerns do not only apply to the corporate sector. Allegations of sexual abuse have been raised against notable stars and artists as well.
According to the results of another study, which included a sample of 2000 people, 82% of women and 44% of men claimed that they have also experienced sexual harassment, some even from young age.
A training program has become an inescapable need in light of the current conditions. The authorities, who have made it essential for staff to undergo sexual harassment training on a number of occasions, are also implementing more stringent norms.
Suppose you own a business and want to ensure that such behavior is not allowed or tolerated. In that case, you need to implement this type of training as well. Most people don’t know when they’re crossing the line. Or, if they intentionally do it, you can always fire them. You also need to check out the California sexual harassment training requirements if you want to ensure that all of your employees receive training.
So what are the main benefits of such training?
As mentioned above, this type of training is essential because it can help improve your business even more. More precisely, it can improve relations between coworkers and overall increase productivity. Here are the benefits explained in greater detail:
Working in a safer environment
If some of your employees are constantly under stress because of sexual harassment, not only will it affect their mental health, but their productivity as well. Moreover, sexual harassment may be a substantial cause of stress at work, which can lead to a potentially unsafe working environment for everyone involved. It causes emotions of dread and unease, which are experienced not only by the sufferers but also by the other persons who work in the facility.
When doing this exercise, the purpose is to dispel any misconceptions that may exist in the minds of the employees. Read more on this page.
Reduced compliance risk
When employers fail to provide their employees with enough information on these particular issues, they run a major legal, financial, and professional risk. Some examples are circumstances in which an employee files a legal claim against their manager because they have been sexually harassed. The business is questioned as to whether they provided their staff with training on anti-harassment laws.
The corporation may face serious financial penalties as well as the loss of its good name in the community if it is discovered that its employees have not received sufficient training. This can jeopardize your business’ reputation fast. The last thing you want to deal with is losing income and customers because of such rumors. Not only that, but it’s your responsibility to make sure that all of your employees are satisfied when they arrive at the workplace.
A better workforce
In order to make a distinction between what comprises friendly, justifiable acts and what does not, employees must be aware of the distinction. Not only does a training session debunk these stereotypes, but it also increases participants’ understanding of the implications of sexual misbehavior for all parties involved as well as the possible punishments for engaging in such behavior.
There is a section that teaches employees how inappropriate acts can bring psychological, physical, and professional discomfort to people who are targeted. In order to promote awareness of sexual harassment, all the participants involved in the training are taught about the importance of personal space, mutual and professional respect, and ethical boundaries in the workplace.