Overview
Sexual harassment and abuse in the workplace are issues that must be treated assertively, providing clear information and proper procedures for taking action upon a complaint or report. The company has a responsibility to protect the dignity of all personnel in the workplace and to prevent such behaviors.
Harassment encompasses any act, conduct, statement, or request that is unwelcome to another person(s) and that could, in all circumstances, be reasonably regarded as behavior of a discriminatory, offensive, humiliating, intimidating, or violent nature, or an intrusion into privacy. Harassment can include an action, behavior, statement, or manifestation related to a person's race, age, beliefs, religion, national or ethnic origin, physical attributes, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, or family situation. Harassment concerns not only the intent but also the effect. An act that is reasonably understood by a person or group as offensive may constitute harassment, whether intentional or not. The most common origin of harassment is an unresolved conflict in the workplace. Harassment includes, among others, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and retaliation.
Sexual harassment is any unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that becomes a condition of employment or creates an intimidating environment through subtle and repeated pressure for sexual activities. It is particularly serious and offensive when this type of behavior is practiced by a staff member who is in a position to influence the career or employment conditions (including hiring, assignment, contract renewal, performance evaluation, working conditions, or promotion) of the recipient of such attention. In this situation, sexual harassment also constitutes an abuse of power. Both male and female colleagues can be victims or offenders. Sexual harassment can be directed against a person of the opposite or the same sex. Sexual harassment can also occur outside the workplace and/or outside working hours.
Essential Commitment
Protecting the dignity and safety of all employees is a non-negotiable responsibility of the company.
Recommended Measures
Awareness and Training
Increase awareness regarding harassment and sexual abuse.
- Raise awareness of issues related to harassment and sexual abuse through training sessions
Reporting Channels
Ensure a rapid and confidential response to reports.
- Create communication channels, take swift and appropriate disciplinary and investigative measures when harassment is reported, and be accountable for the outcomes
Manager Training
Empower leaders to prevent and act.
- Train managers on the prevention and combat of harassment so they assume greater responsibility and accountability for a harassment-free work environment
Whistleblower Protection
Protect those who report against retaliation.
- Encourage reporting, ensure reports are kept confidential, and protect those who report against retaliation