What Is It?
A Sexual Harassment Policy form is a document that outlines the company's stance on sexual harassment and provides guidelines for employees on what constitutes sexual harassment and how to report it. This Sexual Harassment Policy sets out the company's approach to preventing and addressing sexual harassment in the workplace.
When To Use It?
A Sexual Harassment Policy form should be used:
- During the onboarding process for new employees: To ensure that all employees are aware of the company's stance on sexual harassment and how to report it.
- During employee training: To educate employees on what constitutes sexual harassment and how to recognize and report instances of sexual harassment.
- When updating or revising the company's sexual harassment policy: To keep employees informed of any changes to the policy and to ensure that the policy remains up-to-date and effective.
- When investigating a sexual harassment complaint: To provide a clear understanding of the company's procedures for investigating such complaints and to ensure that the investigation is conducted fairly and consistently.
- When disciplining employees found to have engaged in sexual harassment: To provide a clear understanding of the consequences of engaging in such behavior and to ensure that disciplinary action is taken in a consistent and fair manner.
- When addressing employee concerns: To provide employees with a clear understanding of the company's stance on sexual harassment and to ensure that all employees feel comfortable reporting incidents of harassment.
- When responding to legal claims or government investigations: To demonstrate the company's commitment to preventing and addressing sexual harassment in the workplace.
What To Include?
The form should include the following key elements:
- Definition of Sexual Harassment: A clear definition of sexual harassment that is consistent with applicable laws and regulations.
- Prohibition of Sexual Harassment: A statement that the company prohibits all forms of sexual harassment and that employees who engage in such behavior will face disciplinary action.
- Reporting Procedure: A description of the procedure for reporting sexual harassment, including the names and contact information of individuals to whom reports can be made and the importance of timely reporting.
- Investigation Process: A description of the process for investigating sexual harassment claims, including the role of HR, managers, and outside investigators if necessary.
- Confidentiality: A statement that all complaints will be handled confidentially to the extent possible and that retaliation against individuals who report sexual harassment is strictly prohibited.
- Disciplinary Action: A description of the disciplinary action that will be taken against employees found to have engaged in sexual harassment, which can include termination of employment, demotion, or other penalties.
- Employee Training: A requirement that all employees receive training on the company's sexual harassment policy and on how to recognize and report instances of sexual harassment.
- Right to Appeal: A description of the right of employees to appeal any disciplinary action taken as a result of a sexual harassment complaint.
- Anti-Discrimination: A commitment to non-discrimination and equal treatment of employees regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics.
Here is a Sexual Harassment Policy Form Template to get you started!
SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY |
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1. Introduction:
This Sexual Harassment Policy sets out the company's approach to preventing and addressing sexual harassment in the workplace. Sexual harassment is illegal and will not be tolerated.
2. Scope:
This policy applies to all employees, contractors, and visitors, including those working remotely or off-site.
3. Responsibility:
All employees have a responsibility to maintain a workplace free from sexual harassment and to report any incidents of sexual harassment. The Management is responsible for ensuring that this policy is implemented and maintained and for taking prompt and appropriate action to address incidents of sexual harassment.
4. Definition of Sexual Harassment:
Sexual harassment is any unwanted or unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment. This can include but is not limited to:
- Unwelcome sexual advances or propositions.
- Physical touching of a sexual nature.
- Making sexual comments or jokes.
- Displaying sexually suggestive pictures or materials.
- Sending sexually explicit emails or messages.
5. Reporting Sexual Harassment:
- Employees who experience or witness sexual harassment are encouraged to report it immediately to their supervisor or HR representative.
- Reports of sexual harassment will be treated confidentially and investigated promptly and impartially.
- Retaliation against employees who report sexual harassment is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated.
6. Investigating Sexual Harassment:
- The company will conduct a prompt and impartial investigation into all reports of sexual harassment.
- The investigation will be conducted by an independent party who has been trained in investigating incidents of sexual harassment.
- The outcome of the investigation will be communicated to the parties involved, and appropriate action will be taken to address the situation.
7. Consequences of Sexual Harassment:
- Employees who engage in sexual harassment will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
- Contractors and visitors who engage in sexual harassment will be asked to leave the premises and may be banned from future business dealings with the company.
8. Prevention and Education:
- The company will provide training and education to all employees on the issue of sexual harassment and the company's policy.
- The company will take steps to prevent sexual harassment by fostering a culture of respect and inclusion.
Signature: ___________________