It is crucial to create a safe working environment for women to eliminate gender-based discrimination. Especially in the corporate culture, it is critical to take necessary measures and enforce them efficiently to prevent any mishappenings.
To create more inclusive workplaces, the Indian government introduced the PoSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) Act in 2013. It outlines the policies, procedures, and prevention systems for combating sexual harassment cases at workplaces.
It is thus mandatory for organizations to create awareness about PoSH laws through proper training sessions. It helps develop a detailed understanding of the policies and procedures and draw strict boundaries.
Education Nest offers training programs ideal for corporate setups and helps foster a stronger and better work culture. They also provide specialized corporate training on POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment), ensuring a safe and respectful workplace for all employees.
If you want to know more about the importance of PoSH awareness in workplaces, we have covered the topic in detail here. Read on!
What is PoSH Awareness?
As discussed, PoSH is an important legislative measure designed to ensure safe and dignified working environments and prevent sexual assaults or abuses in all forms. Thus, PoSH awareness helps understand connected behaviors and take necessary steps to report these incidents.
Employees have the right to work without any discrimination or fear. Moreover, the organization is responsible for ensuring everyone feels safe, protected, and heard. So, there must be an appropriate redressal mechanism to investigate and resolve such incidents correctly.
Why is PoSH Awareness Important?
Even after such strict legislation and policies, the number of cases of sexual abuse has been increasing each year. A recent report reveals that last year, there were about 772 complaints regarding sexual harassment at workplaces in FY23. Thus, there’s a need to create more awareness to prevent such cases and improve workplace safety.
Also, organizations must comply with the PoSH Act to avoid hefty fines and legal proceedings. Any violation can lead to heavy reputational damage as well. It harms the company’s market position significantly. Therefore, PoSH awareness is also a legal obligation.
PoSH Training: Key Aspects
Practical PoSH training can help create proper awareness. It can address all aspects in detail and explain the actual meaning of sexual harassment and other unacceptable behaviors that need strict actions.
Here are some key aspects that should be considered for PoSH training:
Understanding the Framework
The employees must understand the PoSH framework in detail. They must be aware of the violations, laws, and associated penalties. It will provide a clear picture of what comes under sexual harassment, when, and how to lodge complaints.
Scenario-based Learning
The PoSH training should not only be about theoretical aspects. It should be interactive, promoting open communication for better clarity. Discussing related cases and scenarios will help with practical examples.
Extending Support
Many victims do not report cases out of fear. They feel they will not believed and might face its consequences in the long run. Thus, it is essential to encourage employees to lodge complaints whenever they face any harassment.
Explaining Organizational Policies
As per the PoSH guidelines, every organization must have an internal committee to enable reporting and handling of sexual harassment cases. Besides, organizations can also have intrinsic policies to prevent such cases. It is important to explain all these in the training sessions.
Refresher Trainings
For long-term retention, organizations must conduct spaced training sessions with periodic assessments. Refresher training courses after long gaps will also help with better learning outcomes.
PoSH Traning: Final Words
PoSH awareness promotes accountability as employees will be more responsible for their behaviors and actions. Also, it will help them understand their rights and take a stand in case of any misconduct. Thus, organizations must introduce effective PoSH training sessions for a safe and harmonious workspace.
If you are looking for training sessions for your organization, check out the wide range of corporate learning programs from Education Nest. They can be tailored to your specific business requirements and thus help your workforce with better learning experiences.
For more details, reach out to us today.
References:
- https://educationnest.com/
- https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/explained-the-indian-law-on-sexual-harassment-in-the-workplace/article66854968.ece
- https://www.forbesindia.com/article/take-one-big-story-of-the-day/india-inc-sees-alarmingly-high-unresolved-sexual-harassment-cases-at-workplace/89043/1
- https://lawrato.com/posh-training/updates/posh-policy-law-violation-penalty
- https://educationnest.com/courses/
- https://educationnest.com/courses/corporate-training-programs/
