😕This is a minefield
🤔So, Can I say 'this' can I say 'that'? [insert your own 'this' and 'that']
🥳💩Are we not allowed to have fun anymore?
🎄Well, thats the Xmas party done and dusted..... R.I.P
🫣We can't even pay anyone a compliment these days
😠No more banter in the office then.....
🙄All the above are examples of things I hear when running training sessions around the prevention of sexual harassment legislation that's coming in this Saturday. You know the one - where employers will be required to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. Failure to do so will render employers liable to pay an uplift of 25% on successful sexual harassment claims.
❗Look,
❌HR is not the 'fun police'
❌We cant, and don't want to, stop people from having fun at work
❌We are not here to ban banter
❗But, here's the issue - the problem with 'banter' and 'fun' is, often, you never actually know if an employee is participating in it out of their own free will or whether they are doing so to fit in because it makes their life easier.
❗So, if you pay someone a compliment like 'hey you look nice in that dress' how can you be sure its been received as a compliment or whether the comment has actually made them feel humiliated?
😕How do you know if Fred, who regularly is the butt of jokes about his age and gives as good as he gets, is actually really offended and upset but doesn't want to let it show?
❗You dont
✅And this is why, when I do any training sessions on the new obligation about preventing sexual harassment in the workplace we cover all aspects of discrimination.
✅Its why when I train managers about their specific responsibilities in connection to this, I bang on about creating the right environment. That managers are role models and they need to look at their own behaviour because they set the tone. And, yes, one that can still be fun.
❓Whats the right environment? Its one which is professional, safe and respectful. One which enables employees to be able to say things like. 'hey, I know I've been part of the banter before about my age but its gone a bit too far now and I am just not comfortable with it anymore - can you stop?'.
❗In my view, if your managers are not creating the right environment where team members feel confident in speaking up then there is a real risk things could go south. It is not just about training them on how to handle complaints of sexual harassment - it needs a more holistic approach.
✅If you need help - its never too late. I have all the tools to support you with the new legislation, including running training sessions for employees and managers alike and carrying out a risk assessment with you, amongst other stuff. All tailored to YOUR business, generic wont do!
DM me or contact me at Kate@runninghrltd.co.uk
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Client Growth Specialist at Brainayan | Unleash Unrealized Potential | INTJ
7moAbsolutely agree! Checking in with people to see that they are on the same page as you should be the standard.