Sexual harassment at Workplace

According to the National Crime Records Bureau data, cases of sexual harassment within office premises are constantly on the rise.

The primary objectives of this article are:

1. To understand what is sexual harassment?
2. Become aware of the laws enforced by the government, and
3. Know about the preventive measures to stop sexual abuse in the workplace

What is Sexual Harassment? 

Sexual harassment is a sex-discriminated action or behaviour of an individual or group of people that mutilates another person’s sentiments physically or mentally.

It is any unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favours, verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that unreasonably interferes with work, is made a condition of employment, or creates an intimidating hostile or offensive environment.

From the above definitions, we can conclude that sexual harassment includes:

1. Any offensive word, or jokes delivered verbally or in writing to hurt the self-esteem of a person.
2. Demanding or offering sexual pleasure in private.
3. Passing derogatory comments on co-workers regarding their outfits.
4. Sending a vulgar email, letter, or date invitations.
5. Calling unnecessary coworkers in a cabin with the wrong intention.
6. Making an employee stay late in the office especially when all alone.
7. Unwanted touch, placing a hand on the shoulder, brushing legs by saying just an accident.
8. Threats of being fired from a job, demotion, intentionally insulting in front of others and overburdening with work.

Most of the time assaulters try to save themselves by saying they are attracted to the coworker at the workplace. But here we all must know that if another person is not interested then it is considered an offence. No means no and it needs no explanation.

Laws Enforced to Address Sexual Harassment

‘The Protection of Women against Sexual Harassment at Workplace Bill, 2010’ has been passed in India to define sexual harassment more explicitly and create a mechanism for the redressal of complaints. Further, ‘Sexual Harassment of Women at  Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013’ has been passed to elucidate which types of acts are contemplated under the umbrella of sexual harassment and how organizations can take proactive measures to ensure the safety and dignity of women at workplace.

A few extracts from the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace: (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013

Section 3(1): No woman shall be subjected to sexual harassment at any workplace.

Section 19(a):  Every employer shall provide a safe working environment at the workplace which shall include safety from other people coming into the workplace.

Sexual harassment is a global concern, and it is widespread across the globe. When it comes to cure, each person working in the organization should try their best to protect female coworkers from harm. Assault is not only confined to a particular class, religion, gender, or caste but it signifies the poor mindset of some people. There is a thin line between a male and a gentleman. A gentleman never crosses his line and respects women of all ages irrespective of power.

Preventive measures to stop sexual harassment at the workplace

1. Implementing sexual harassment policy 

Employers should define what is considered an offence in sexual harassment policy, a kind of behaviour that must not be tolerated in the organization. Everything must be written precisely in the policy. Everyone is supposed to strictly follow guidelines written in sexual harassment policy. Infosys has taken various initiatives such as lecture sessions, online programs, poster campaigns and emails to create awareness of the importance of maintaining professional behaviour at the workplace.

2. Thorough Investigation of Reported Cases

Filing a complaint is the first step taken by the victim.  After listening to the victim’s side, the manager should not jump to the conclusion. A supervisor ought to collect evidence, talk to other coworkers and deeply analyze the schedule of the accuser. He/she should thoroughly investigate the matter. Once proven guilty of an offensive act, strict action is required against the guilty. This also sets a good example for other members to ensure zero tolerance towards this crime.

3. Regular Training

Online training for the employer and manager of the organization assists in playing an important role in the victim’s life. Every trained employee knows how to deal with such unfavourable conditions. At least, they can try to save the affected persons from harm. These online training courses should be conducted on regular frequencies.

4. Transport Facilities for Late Working Hours

In small business, the manager has full control over the employees. Managers should keep an eye on the arrival and departure of every employee, especially women. If work requires overtime, then it becomes the duty of the manager to provide a cab for women’s safety. Supervisors should not allow women to work late hours as it increases the risk of crime.

5. Say No to Silence

Studies found that complaints are lodged by women only in 52.2% of the cases, whereas actions are taken in 15.2% of the cases while ignoring other complaints. Less than 5% of the victims report to their organizations about the incidents of unacceptable advances, approaches, and sexual behaviour of any men or women who are at a higher, equal, or lower level than them in position and authority. Likewise, in a survey of 6,047 women conducted by the Indian Bar Association in 2017, 70% of women reported that they do not report sexual harassment by superiors out of fear of repercussions. Nothing worse could happen than the pain of bearing harassment. Silence gives accuser more power to conduct heinous crimes in future.

Conclusion 

Awareness plays a crucial role in avoiding the chance of bullying, threats, violence, and physical harassment. Apart from the government, management must provide a safe working environment for the employees. If these issues are not checked regularly by the management, it could damage the holistic growth of the individual. The working population, especially women, is a precious asset of any nation and needs to be protected at any cost.