POSH or Prevention of Sexual Harassment is an act that mandates the formulation of an internal complaints commission. If you’re wondering what is POSH training – it is what comes when the policy is implemented in a workplace.
If your workplace has a POSH policy, you would have received POSH training when you joined. This is when the authorities inform you of its different aspects – from what POSH is to how it works and everything you need to know as an employee.
POSH is an effective and necessary workplace policy that helps one feel safe in their professional environment. It protects employees against sexual harassment in the workplace and brings justice to the victims – as best as possible.
The following sections will elaborate on the different components of POSH training and how it all works.
What is POSH and How Does it Affect Employee Relations?
A common misconception is that all workplaces should have just a one-time event where the employees are trained. This is different from workplace POSH training should be a regular occurrence.
Another common misconception is that safety in the workplace is common sense – which is untrue when it comes to sensitive things such as sexual harassment. What you perceive as unsafe may seem harmless to someone else – but that does not mean you’re wrong.
As an employer, you are responsible for regularly checking in with your employees on the safety and the role of POSH policy. It is not impossible to establish a safe workplace for an employee’s overall well-being.
The recent increase in the number of sexual harassment cases has left companies looking for ways to make their environment safer. This is possible with the help of policies and acts such as POSH.
A federal law in the US and many other countries such as India, Japan, and the UK. Organizations with 10 or more employees must implement the act – starting with an internal committee that will form an important part.
This important part of the POSH policy determines the appropriate punishment. This is ICC should have at least 50% of women members, and at least two members (irrespective of gender) must have experience in social work.
A safe working environment for not just female employees but all employees is the aim of the POSH policy. Yes, the initial drafts of the act, thus, the policy, focused on the safety of women in the workplace. However, that has ever since changed due to the prevalence of sexual harassment against male employees.
Employee relations shouldn’t be negatively affected as this safety protocol does not restrict communication between employees. This is a step to minimize inappropriate, unwelcome gestures and relations.
Types of Sexual Harassment at Workplace
Apart from the two types of sexual harassment – physical and verbal – there are more which will be discussed shortly. Physical sexual harassment, as you may have guessed is unwanted physical contact such as groping, touching, rubbing, or hugging.
Verbal sexual harassment is equally dangerous and can be well hidden. It usually comprises suggestive jokes, sexual innuendos, and derogatory comments about one’s sexuality. All of these and more that make the victim feel uncomfortable in their workplace qualify for a POSH complaint.
Other types of sexual harassment in the workplace include:
- Visual harassment includes showing sexual images such as pornography, graphic images that are sexually inappropriate and unwelcome
- Sexual assault is a severe form of sexual harassment where the harasser initiates sexually explicit conversation, texts, requests for sexual favors, emails, and asks/sharing nude photos
- Abuse of power is also known as quid pro quo harassment where the harasser abuses their position to ask for sexual favors from employees in exchange for organizational rewards
- Unwanted conduct that creates a hostile environment for the victim to do their job freely
Sexual harassment can make it very difficult for the victim to stay in the organization as they feel embarrassed, intimidated, and humiliated. This type of behavior is severe as it can have long-term negative effects for the employee making it difficult for them to efficiently contribute to their profession.
This information is shared when you learn what is POSH training and how it supports employee wellbeing in the long run.
What is POSH Training | How Does it Help Employees?
POSH training is usually conducted by a POSH trainer – someone with a valid degree/certificate in law or related fields. A POSH trainer guides the employees and trains them on the motive of preventing sexual harassment incidents.
POSH training is mandatory as per the law in New York, Illinois, and California. It must be conducted frequently to keep the employees up to date on the policy. The POSH Act includes the provision of redressal against violation – which is why it is important to know what POSH training is.
POSH training is necessary to educate employers and employees on the relevant laws pertaining to sexual harassment. It is also necessary to recognize the signs of sexual harassment and prevent it.
POSH training isn’t just important for preventing sexual harassment but is also a legal requirement in many countries. This implies that if you are implementing the policy in your workplace, you must also ensure everyone in the organization is properly trained or it could invite legal action against the employers.
Nobody wants legal issues when they’re easily avoidable – so organizations prefer the legal way of doing things. This is how POSH training has been picking up wind in most countries.
As an employer, your responsibility doesn’t end when you sign the POSH policy into effect – you must also ensure its compliance and awareness across levels.
Let’s look at the basic steps of implementing POSH policy within a workplace:
- Creating and implementing anti-sexual harassment policy
- Constituting an ICC/EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) and giving them the necessary training for efficient implementation of the policy
- Spread awareness among employees and aid wherever necessary
- Make informational notices and posters for better engagement and comprehension
- Statutory annual report filing which may change as per the country
This is an overall, great approach for the wellbeing and safety of employees in the workplace.
How Does it Help Employees? | Benefits of POSH Training
Now that you know what is POSH training, it is time to learn how it helps employees and employers. It is an essential practice that can keep things safe and healthy within the corporate sector.
Here’s a list of all the ways POSH training has a positive impact on employees:
- Improves employee safety and makes the workplace a better place for them to thrive professionally without any emotional or mental burden. Equips them with the knowledge to protect themselves against sexual harassment
- Employees who know what is POSH training are better equipped to identify and address sexual harassment. The training makes them confident that POSH-compliant employees
- Employees feel motivated to work and commit better to work knowing they are safe in their or other’s workplace
- POSH trainees have better professional relations and are safer. This may even come from the sense of equality that this policy gives them
- Training empowers them to be more engaged at work as they do not fear unwelcome sexual advances that can hamper their productivity
- Employees feel accountable to report sexual harassment after training as it is the right to do. They also learn how to recognize the signs of sexual harassment
- POSH training helps better coordination between employees, management, and employers in making the workplace a safe space
Overall, POSH training helps improve the company’s reputation as it shows they care about the employee’s well-being, safety, and health.
Additionally, it is evident that a lack of training can lead to failure to comply – non-compliance if you will. This is particularly important for avoiding legal consequences and severe cases that could put people’s lives in danger.
Wrapping It Up!
That concludes the answer to what is POSH training and how it impacts employees within the workplace. It is an important part of corporate culture where employers should take responsibility for implementing a policy against sexual harassment.
This is a significant step against unwelcome gestures and advances that employees have faced for a long time. Moreover, its recognition by governments worldwide makes it an even more important aspect of a safe working environment.
Does your workplace have a POSH policy? Urge them to have one, if not!
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