Protecting staff from sexual harassment
We don’t want to be a ‘Bah-humbug’ as it is the season to be jolly, but unfortunately, sexual harassment in the workplace can occur at any time of year, and, in our experience, the risk is often increased during the festive season.
Christmas parties and end-of-year celebrations bring teams together outside of their usual working hours and environment and often involve socialising and drinking alcohol, which can create situations where inappropriate behaviour is more likely to happen.
As an employer, you have a year-round responsibility to your employees, and under the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023, you must take reasonable steps to protect staff from sexual harassment at all times, not just during festive celebrations or work Christmas parties.
If you do have a Christmas party coming up, or any event for that matter, here are some steps you can take to address and prevent the possibility of sexual harassment occurring.
Plan ahead
You need to think about any risks that could arise during any social events, festive or otherwise.
Alcohol - if alcohol is provided, consider limiting the amount on offer
Overnight stays and travel - if there is any travel or an overnight stay involved in the work event, ensure accommodation is safe and appropriate
Hierarchy - be mindful of the different seniority levels of staff attending as power imbalances can increase the risk of inappropriate behaviour.
Set expectations
Before any work event, ensure employees are aware of company policies regarding sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour. Remind them of what to do should they witness or experience any issues and emphasise that all complaints will be taken seriously and be handled confidentially.
Providing regular training and guidance on reporting procedures reinforces your policies and demonstrates that employee safety is a priority.
Consider third party risks
As an employer, you must make sure staff are protected from harassment from customers, members of the public and any other third parties, and these should be considered when planning events or parties
Consider safer locations or activities in order to protect staff.
As mentioned previously, protecting your staff from any kind of harassment is a year-round responsibility, not just something to think about during festive celebrations. By planning ahead, setting clear expectations and considering internal and external risks, you can help create a safer environment and ensure everyone has a good time.
If you feel it’s time to review your policies or need guidance on implementing measures or handling any incidents, we are here to support you with expert advice and practical solutions to keep your workplace safe and compliant, just get in touch.