Creating a sexual harassment policy: 6 things to include

In today’s professional landscape, fostering a safe and respectful work environment is paramount. Among the many policies and procedures that contribute to this goal, having a robust sexual harassment policy stands out as essential. Not only do sexual harassment policies protect employees from misconduct, they also set a standard for company culture, demonstrating a commitment to dignity and professionalism.

In this article, we’ll explain why having a sexual harassment policy is crucial for employers and explore the key elements it should include.

Why is having a sexual harassment policy important?

Employers must have a sexual harassment policy in place because it serves as a critical tool in building a safe and inclusive work environment. Beyond legal compliance, such a policy emphasizes your organization’s commitment to the well-being and dignity of your employees. By clearly defining unacceptable behavior, outlining reporting procedures, and establishing consequences for violations, a sexual harassment policy empowers employees to speak up against harassment without fear of retaliation. Plus, it sends a powerful message that harassment of any kind will not be tolerated within the organization, which goes a long way in building trust and respect between employers and employees.

Ultimately, having a robust sexual harassment policy not only protects employees from harm but also enhances morale, productivity, and the overall reputation of your organization.

Upholding legal compliance

First and foremost, a sexual harassment policy is crucial for ensuring legal compliance. Laws and regulations regarding workplace harassment vary by state, but most mandate that employers take proactive steps to prevent and address sexual harassment. By implementing a clear policy, you demonstrate your company’s adherence to these legal requirements, minimizing the risk of lawsuits and reputational damage.

Creating a safe work environment

Beyond legal obligations, a sexual harassment policy plays a pivotal role in creating a safe and welcoming workplace environment. When employees know that their employer takes harassment seriously and has mechanisms in place to address it, they feel more secure and empowered to report any instances of misconduct. This fosters trust between employees and management, enhancing morale and productivity.

Setting clear expectations

A well-crafted sexual harassment policy also serves to set clear expectations for behavior in the workplace. It outlines what constitutes harassment, provides examples of inappropriate conduct, and delineates the consequences for violating the policy. This clarity leaves no room for ambiguity and ensures that all employees understand the boundaries of acceptable behavior.

Promoting accountability

In addition to outlining expectations, a sexual harassment policy should establish procedures for reporting and investigating complaints. This includes designating individuals or departments responsible for handling complaints, as well as outlining the steps involved in the investigation process. By holding perpetrators accountable for their actions and providing support to victims, employers send a strong message that harassment will not be tolerated.

Educating employees and changing attitudes

An effective sexual harassment policy goes beyond mere documentation; it also serves as a tool for education and awareness. Employers should ensure that all employees receive training on the policy, including information on identifying harassment, reporting procedures, and the consequences of engaging in or condoning such behavior. Regular training sessions reinforce the organization’s commitment to preventing sexual harassment and empower employees to be proactive in addressing it.

What to include in a sexual harassment policy

Now that you understand the importance of having a sexual harassment policy, let’s explore what key elements it should include.

1. Definition of sexual harassment

The foundation of any sexual harassment policy is a clear and comprehensive definition of what constitutes harassment. This definition should encompass a broad range of behaviors, including but not limited to:

• Unwelcome sexual advances
• Requests for sexual favors
• Verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature
• Offensive jokes or comments related to gender or sexuality

By providing a clear definition, employees can better understand what behaviors are unacceptable in the workplace.

2. Reporting procedures

A sexual harassment policy should outline the procedures for reporting incidents of harassment. This includes specifying whom employees should report to, whether it’s a supervisor, HR representative, or another designated individual. Additionally, the policy should detail the steps that will be taken once a report is filed, including how the complaint will be investigated and resolved.

3. Confidentiality protections

Confidentiality is crucial in creating a safe environment for employees to come forward with reports of harassment. A sexual harassment policy should assure employees that their reports will be handled with discretion and confidentiality to the extent possible. This not only protects the privacy of the individuals involved but also encourages victims to come forward without fear of retaliation.

4. Non-retaliation clause

Employees should feel confident that they can report instances of harassment without fear of reprisal. Therefore, a sexual harassment policy should include a non-retaliation clause that explicitly prohibits retaliation against individuals who file complaints or participate in investigations. This sends a clear message that retaliation will not be tolerated and underscores the organization’s commitment to protecting whistleblowers.

5. Training and education

Education is key to preventing sexual harassment in the workplace. Employers should provide regular training sessions to educate employees about the company’s sexual harassment policy, their rights and responsibilities, and how to recognize and respond to inappropriate behavior. Harassment prevention training should be mandatory for all employees, including managers and supervisors, and should be conducted at regular intervals to reinforce key concepts.

6. Consequences for violations

A sexual harassment policy should clearly outline the consequences for violating the policy. This may include disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment, depending on the severity of the offense. By establishing clear consequences, employers send a strong message that harassment will not be tolerated and that offenders will be held accountable for their actions.

The final word

A sexual harassment policy is much more than a document created to satisfy legal requirements; it’s a cornerstone of organizational culture. By establishing clear expectations, providing support mechanisms, and fostering a culture of accountability, employers can create workplaces where all individuals can thrive free from harassment and discrimination.

About Ethena

At Ethena, we’re committed to making corporate compliance training so good it sticks. In fact, ineffective harassment prevention training was the catalyst for why we were founded. 

Today, our modern and engaging approach to learning goes beyond check-the-box regulation requirements. With nearly 1 million ratings and a 93% positivity score, Ethena’s Harassment Prevention training course inspires learners to foster healthy, inclusive, and squeaky clean workplaces.