It’s no longer a secret that harassment is rampant in workplaces across the United States. Although it comes in different forms, sexual harassment is the most common. 8 in 10 women have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace.
Workplace harassment is a crime, but it’s incredibly hard to document or prove, as most cases happen quickly and without warning. As an employer, it’s your responsibility to build a harassment-free workplace. Conducting harassment training is an effective way to achieve this goal.
If you’re wondering how exactly training will help, you’re in the right place.
Let’s dig in:
Table of Contents
1. Helps Combat a Toxic Workplace Culture
There are a couple of different things that can make a workplace toxic. Poor compensation, lack of diversity, favoritism, and rampant harassment are some of the most common causes.
A toxic workplace will result in lower employee motivation and satisfaction. This has a direct impact on organizational productivity.
When you invest in harassment training, everyone in the organization will become more aware of the issue. They’ll know how to identify it, prevent it, and the next steps to take when it occurs.
This training will rid your organization of one of the leading causes of a toxic work environment. In effect, it will contribute to the development of a positive workplace culture.
2. Helps Reduce Employee Turnover
Losing an employee can cost a company up to two times the employee’s annual salary. High employee turnover can put a big dent in your company’s bottom line.
Yet, workplace harassment, especially sexual harassment, is the primary reason employees quit their jobs. Close to 50 percent leave their jobs or switch careers after experiencing sexual harassment.
Harassment training is an effective way to reduce workplace harassment. Consequently, it will help arrest high employee turnover.
Give a particular focus to sexual harassment training. You can learn more about sexual harassment prevention training online.
3. Keeps Your Company Out of Legal Trouble
Yes, workplace harassment allegations can be hard to prove. However, this doesn’t stop victims from seeking legal redress in court, especially if the company management isn’t supportive.
As an employer, getting reported or sued isn’t really about the merits or demerits of the case. The fact is your company will be in legal trouble, a situation that not only costs money but also hurts the reputation of your brand. Once word gets out that the company is being sued for workplace harassment, it will get harder to attract top talent.
Avoid unnecessary legal entanglements with your employees by investing in harassment training. When your employees are properly sensitized about harassment, they’re less likely to become perpetrators.
Invest in Workplace Harassment Training
Harassment in the workplace is unacceptable. Whether it’s bullying, unwelcome sexual advances, retaliatory behavior, or any other type of harassment, employers have a responsibility to prevent it.
Harassment training is a proven strategy for curbing the issue. With this harassment training guide, you now know how your company will benefit.