How to Prevent Harassment in the Workplace

R2 implements and acknowledges all the advice below and strongly recommends it to all employers

Harassment in the workplace can be a serious issue that can impact employee morale and productivity. As an employer, it is important to create a safe and respectful work environment, free from all forms of harassment. Here is a guide to help you prevent and address harassment in the workplace:

  1. Create a policy: Develop a written anti-harassment policy that clearly defines what harassment is, the types of behavior that are unacceptable, and the procedures for reporting harassment. Distribute the policy to all employees and ensure that they understand it.
  2. Train your employees: Provide regular training to your employees on harassment prevention and response, including the definitions and examples of prohibited behaviors, the reporting procedures, and the consequences for engaging in harassment.
  3. Take all complaints seriously: Listen to all complaints of harassment and take immediate action to investigate them. Ensure that the person who reported the harassment is protected from retaliation.
  4. Investigate complaints promptly: Investigate all complaints of harassment promptly and thoroughly. The investigation should be conducted in a fair, objective, and confidential manner.
  5. Take appropriate action: If harassment is found to have occurred, take appropriate action to stop the harassment and prevent it from happening again. Depending on the severity of the behavior, the response could range from counseling or disciplinary action to termination.
  6. Monitor the workplace: Regularly monitor the workplace for signs of harassment and take appropriate action to address any problems that are identified.
  7. Follow up: Follow up with the person who reported the harassment and ensure that they feel safe and supported in the workplace.

By taking a proactive approach to harassment prevention, employers can create a safe and respectful workplace where employees can thrive.