6 Benefits of Sexual Harassment Training

According to ABC News, 54% of American women are victims of sexual harassment, 30% have worked in a hostile work environment, and 25% are victims of quid pro quo. Whereas women are adversely affected, studies have shown that men report two of every ten cases of sexual harassment.

What is more alarming and worrying are reports from the Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR), which shows that one in ten victims formally report sexual harassment incidents. Nine fail to report sexual harassment because of:

• Embarrassment
• Retaliation
• A lack of accessible complaint procedures

54% of American women are victims of sexual harassment, 30% have worked in a hostile work environment, and 25% are victims of quid pro quo

ABC News

The question then becomes, how can we change the narrative and these alarming stats‘? One answer is in sexual harassment training. Let’s look at the benefits of sexual harassment training and how it provides an all-inclusive approach in combating this vice in the workplace.

1. Components of sexual harassment training

Before we delve into the benefits of sexual harassment training, it is good to understand some of its key elements first. Sexual harassment training should:

• Define sexual harassment
• Explain a hostile environment and quid pro quo
• Should outline the disciplinary consequences of harassment
• Educate on retaliation (a company should have a policy that prohibits retaliating against
• an employee that reports it).

The training should:

• Outline the investigation and remediation process
• Discuss legal implications

If a company has no policy, they can establish one and post it in a location where all employees will have access to it.

2. Benefits of workplace sexual harassment training

There is that cliché phrase that says, “Information is power.” Yes, information empowers people to act, and make an informed decision about matters. As we have mentioned, a large percentage of sexual harassment victims remain silent due to fear and lack of proper policies in the workplace that address the issue. In other instances, those in top management positions may not know how to deal with complaints of workplace sexual harassment. Interestingly, many businesses and companies don’t have the policy to counter harassment, while some aren’t even aware of the legal implications of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment training is designed to benefit not just the employee but the employers as well.

3. Benefits to the employee

Employees educated on sexual harassment tend to know what it is all about, the measures to take, who to report to, and how to prevent it from happening to other people. Additionally, those employees that contribute to a hostile work environment unknowingly will become aware of their immoral acts, including its legal implications. Sexual harassment training; helps to prevent inappropriate behaviors and fosters a good work culture among employees.

4. Benefits of sexual harassment training for managers

Sexual harassment training for managers empowers business leaders to know how to prevent and deal with these types of cases when they crop up. Most people file lawsuits on sexual harassment against the company because they did not receive help from management. Training your managers; on sexual harassment reduces such incidents. Managers learn to offer support and champion against sexual harassment.

5. Why invest in sexual harassment training?

They are wondering if you should invest in sexual harassment training as a company. You should if you value your employees welfare, productivity, and a return on your investment. When employees are unhappy because of the hostile environment in which they operate in, they become unproductive. Your company may even lose or scare off some top talent. By creating a haven for your employees through sexual harassment training, you will get to enhance productivity and satisfaction, translating into a lower turnover for your company.

There is also the danger of facing severe lawsuits that don’t just cost you a lot of money but can do a lot of damage to your image. You must have heard of the famous Ashley Alford vs. Aaron’s Inc. case back in 2011, where Aaron’s Inc. was required to pay a whopping $95 million as compensation for failing to act on Ashley’s complaints on being sexually harassed in their workplace. This shows how sexual harassment-related lawsuits can bear severe financial implications that could even result in the closure of your company.

6. Sexual harassment training is most effective when:

• The employer enthusiastically supports it.
• All employees and supervisors must attend.
• Clear examples of sexual harassment are given in the training.
• It covers the sexual harassment organization policy (in detail).
• It discusses how to prevent sexual harassment.
• It encourages employees to be on the lookout for this problem.
• It is taught in a way that is easily understood by all employees.
• It is taught in the prominent language of the general workforce (If part of the workforce does not
• the native language, then the training could be explained by someone who speaks that
• particular language).
• The definition of sexual harassment is discussed in training.
• The employees are told that if they engage in sexual harassment behaviors, it could cause them to
• lose their job.
• The sexual harassment policy is in written form and prominently posted where all employees
• have access to it, and it is discussed in detail in training.
• The training is focused on the issues facing the organization.
• The training is repeated as often as necessary.
• Victims know they won’t be retaliated against if they lodge a harassment complaint.

Conclusion

Everyone deserves to feel respected and safe in a place they spend half of their day. They can only perceive they are respected if the company has put in place measures that foster such an environment. Sexual harassment training is one of the most holistic as it benefits both the employer and the employees. It is an investment every company ought to make!

Have you attended sexual harassment training on the job? Was the training mandatory‘? Share your experience, comments, and questions below.

Quiz

Select the best answer.

Sexual harassment training is most effective when:

1. The employer enthusiastically supports it.
2. Victims know they won’t be retaliated against if they lodge a harassment complaint.
3. All employees and supervisors must attend.
4. It discusses how to prevent sexual harassment.
5. Just 1 and 3
6. All of the above

Answer Key: See Sexual harassment training is most effective when

Have you been the victim, witness, or even perpetrator of workplace sexual harassment?  Share your experience and comments below.