As an employer, it is your duty to create a safe and respectful work environment for all employees. This includes taking steps to prevent and address sexual harassment, as outlined in the Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (PoSH Act).
Below are the responsibilities of an employer under the PoSH Act
- Promote a gender-sensitive workplace: This means creating an environment where all employees feel valued and respected, regardless of their gender.
- Eliminate any forms of discrimination or bias that contribute to a negative, fearful or uncomfortable work environment.
- Formulate PoSH policy: This policy should clearly outline the definition of sexual harassment, the steps employees can take to report harassment and the processes for addressing and resolving complaints.
- Display the legal consequences for violating the law in prominent places in the office: This helps to remind employees of the serious consequences of engaging in sexual harassment and encourages them to report any incidents.
- Share contact details of the PoSH committee members with employees: This makes it easier for employees to report incidents of sexual harassment and seek support from the committee.
- Conduct educational sessions, workshops, or programs to increase awareness and understanding of sexual harassment among employees. These programs can help employees understand what sexual harassment is and how to prevent it.
- Conduct training programs for the PoSH committee: This helps ensure that the committee is equipped to handle and resolve complaints effectively.
- Ensure that the PoSH committee / ICC has the resources and support they need to thoroughly investigate and address any complaints and determine the appropriate course of action.
- Provide support and guidance to employees who wish to file a complaint with the police or other legal authorities.
- Take disciplinary action against employees who engage in sexual harassment, in order to send a clear message that such behavior is not tolerated in the workplace.
- The PoSH Act requires employers to submit an annual report detailing the number of complaints received, the actions taken to address those complaints, and any other relevant information.
By fulfilling these responsibilities, you can create a workplace that is safe, respectful, and free of sexual harassment. This not only benefits your employees in terms of wellbeing, but it can also improve productivity and overall job satisfaction.
Contact Our Certified Professionals who are trained in helping organizations prevent and address sexual harassment to receive guidance and implement measures to create a harassment-free work environment for all employees.
