Sentrient is one of the fastest-growing and most sought-after providers of workplace compliance training programs. It includes legally endorsed training for work health and safety, privacy, workplace bullying, sexual harassment, equal employment opportunity and the appropriate use of the internet and social media. All topics are relevant for organisations of all sizes, from small and medium businesses to larger organisations across Australia and for all industry sectors.
Workplace Sexual harassment training programs are the most asked for, and why wouldn’t that be? Workplace sexual harassment has been one of the most common types of workplace harassment. Recent statistics show the prevalence of harassment jumped from 21 percent in 2012 to 33 percent in 2018. Furthermore, the upsurge of the #MeToo Movement in the Entertainment industry has made people in all spheres of work not only aware but also cautious of the said issue.
Sexual harassment disproportionately affects women, with 1 in 5 experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace at some time. However, 1 in 10 men also reported experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace.
When it comes to sexual harassment, it is not so black and white, in fact, sexual harassment can occur to people of all backgrounds and personal characteristics at all levels within an organisation. It is not just the stereotype of an older, more senior male sexually harassing a younger female team member that is often presented by the media. However, unfortunately, this stereotype still stands true far too often!
The Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth) makes sexual harassment unlawful in some circumstances. State-based laws and agencies also can hear sexual harassment complaints. Sexual harassment is also one of the Sex Discrimination Commissioner’s five priority areas, as outlined in the Gender Equality Blueprint 2010, which includes recommendations to strengthen protections against sexual harassment.
Knowledge is the key (for everyone)
- Educating your employees should be the first step to avoiding sexual harassment in the workplace; workplace sexual harassment training can help people identify behaviours that are considered sexual harassment.
- It also helps employees teach the right course of action when their colleagues are subjected to explicit, rogue or inappropriate behaviour.
- There should be additional training for managers and supervisors on how to properly handle reported cases as they will be the first responders where the harassed people will go.
- Workplace Sexual Harassment Training helps HR professionals and Managers in setting up an effective process on how to handle complaints, make investigations, and implement corrective measures.
- When it comes to employers, it is not only their ethical obligation but also their legal responsibility to give all their employees as well as contract workers, volunteers and suppliers. In case of any sexual misconduct, if it is found that the employer had not provided adequate workplace sexual harassment training, then he/she is liable to compensate for the damages.
- Last but not least, workplace sexual harassment can also help people identify which of their ignorant and crass behaviours are sexual harassment and the detrimental effect they have on others.
So to answer the question…
Sexual harassment training is needed by everyone in an organisation Employees, Managers and Team Leaders, Contractors, Suppliers, Volunteers, etc.
Workplace sexual harassment training
For your company to be successful and productive, you must develop policies and strategies for the training of employees, including managers and executives, about sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour. This extends beyond sexual harassment and into areas such as workplace bullying and equal employment opportunity. Online workplace compliance learning courses are the most preferred and effective form of training. They offer flexibility for your employees to access them online at a time that works best for them in a manner that is engaging and time-effective.
Have you been longer than 12-18 months since rolling out sexual anti-harassment training for your organisation? Contact us on 1300 040 589 today to get started right away. You can also get it here.