Sexual harassment continues to be a significant issue in workplaces across the UK, affecting employees and the work environment as a whole. According to recent studies, 81% of women and 43% of men have experienced some form of sexual harassment in their workplace. These numbers highlight just how prevalent this issue is, and why addressing it is crucial for any organisation. However, not only is sexual harassment a moral concern, but it’s also a legal one. Employers are legally required to provide employees with a harassment-free workplace, which includes educating them on the issue through training.
Why Do We Need Sexual Harassment Training?
Sexual harassment is not a one-off occurrence but a pattern of behaviour that can take many forms, from verbal comments to physical actions. Many employees may not even recognise subtle forms of harassment or may feel unsure about how to respond to it. One in four people report being unsure of how to intervene if they witness harassment. This gap in knowledge means that employees and managers might be unaware of what constitutes harassment or how to properly handle it.
This is where training comes in. Sexual harassment training provides employees with the knowledge to recognise harassment, understand its impact on victims, and take appropriate action when necessary. Training is particularly essential because it empowers individuals to act as informed bystanders, thus reducing the occurrence of harassment in the workplace. Furthermore, regular training updates help ensure everyone is up to date on what constitutes harassment under both company policy and the law.
The 2024 UK Sexual Harassment Legislation
In 2024, the UK government introduced new sexual harassment legislation, aiming to close gaps in existing laws and provide stronger protections for workers. This legislation focuses on preventing sexual harassment and promoting better workplace practices. It places more responsibility on employers, holding them accountable for ensuring a safe environment for all employees.
The key changes introduced by the 2024 UK sexual harassment legislation are as follows:
Stronger Employer Obligations: Employers are now legally required to take “all reasonable steps” to prevent sexual harassment from occurring in the workplace. This includes having clear, robust policies in place, conducting regular training sessions, and establishing well-defined reporting procedures.
Expansion of the Definition of Sexual Harassment: The legislation has broadened the definition of sexual harassment, making it clearer and more inclusive. The focus is not only on physical harassment but also verbal and non-verbal conduct, including gestures, written communication, and unwanted attention.
Legal Protection for Employees: Employees are now protected from sexual harassment not just by their employers, but also by third parties, such as customers or contractors. This change ensures that employees have avenues for reporting incidents no matter where the harassment occurs.
Duty to Prevent Harassment: Employers must demonstrate proactive measures in creating a harassment-free workplace, which includes preventing harassment before it starts, responding quickly to complaints, and taking appropriate disciplinary action against offenders.
How Workplaces Need to Comply
Workplaces need to implement various measures to ensure compliance with the new legislation:
- Review Policies: Employers must update their harassment policies, ensuring they reflect the legal requirements and provide clear guidelines for reporting harassment.
- Regular Training: It’s crucial for businesses to provide training on sexual harassment regularly. This ensures employees understand the current laws and the consequences of harassment.
- Implement Reporting Mechanisms: Workplaces need to have a clear, confidential process for employees to report any incidents of harassment.
- Invest in Prevention: Preventing harassment through awareness campaigns, culture-building initiatives, and leadership training is essential for long-term success.
Why Should Employees Do a Sexual Harassment Refresher Course?
Sexual harassment is a complex and ever-evolving issue, which is why ongoing training is essential. While initial training provides a foundational understanding, it cannot address the continual updates in laws, workplace cultures, and the various forms that harassment can take. The landscape of harassment is not static, and refresher courses ensure that knowledge stays fresh, and employees remain informed of both legal developments and behavioural expectations.
As new laws and policies are regularly introduced, it is essential that employees stay up to date with the latest legislative changes, particularly in light of the 2024 UK sexual harassment legislation. This legislation brought about significant changes, including expanded definitions of harassment and stronger employer obligations. Refresher training ensures that employees understand these new requirements and how they apply in the workplace. It also prevents the erosion of knowledge over time, ensuring that employees remain compliant with the law.
Moreover, refresher courses play a key role in reinforcing the behaviours that the initial training established. It’s easy for employees to forget or overlook the importance of responding appropriately in situations of harassment, particularly in fast-paced or high-pressure environments. Refresher courses provide an opportunity to revisit key concepts and behaviours, offering employees a chance to ask questions and clarify any doubts they may have. This continuous reinforcement ensures that harassment prevention is woven into the fabric of the workplace culture.
Workplace dynamics are continually changing as organisations evolve, new technologies emerge, and diversity grows. As these changes occur, so too does the nature of harassment and the way it is experienced. In today’s environment, harassment can take many forms, from inappropriate online behaviour to subtler verbal harassment. Without regular training, employees may not recognise these evolving forms or understand how to respond appropriately. Regular refresher courses ensure that the training adapts to the changing landscape, equipping employees with the tools they need to identify and address harassment in its many forms.
Wellity Global Training Support
Management Refresher: Sexual Harassment Prevention: A Guide for Managers
Managers are integral to maintaining a harassment-free workplace. Our Sexual Harassment Prevention: A Guide for Managers refresher course offers targeted training that focuses on the specific responsibilities of leadership. It equips managers with the tools to identify harassment, respond to complaints, and create a safe, inclusive environment for all employees.
Key Learning Outcome
- Understand sexual harassment and its manifestations, including subtle or covert forms.
- Recognise harassment incidents within teams, ensuring a prompt and effective response.
- Develop empathy for victims, understanding emotional impacts and appropriate supportive actions.
- Understand the correct procedures when a team member reports harassment, ensuring compliance with company policy and legal requirements.
- Review legal obligations and managerial responsibilities, focusing on the latest UK legislation from 2024, and how to ensure compliance.
- By empowering managers with the knowledge to handle harassment cases effectively and legally, we help to create a culture of trust and accountability within your organisation.
Employee Refresher: Preventing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
- Access support resources and services, ensuring no one has to face harassment alone.
- Learn intervention skills as empowered bystanders, taking a proactive role in preventing harassment.
- Our training ensures that employees are well-equipped to respond confidently and legally to sexual harassment situations, fostering a workplace where respect is at the core.
Book a meeting with our team to discuss more.
