Sexual Harassment in the Workplace: How Companies can Prepare, Prevent, Respond and Transform their Culture

This report discusses the action organizations can take to create a safe and fair work environment for all employees beyond policies and training. According to Catalyst’s report, these are four important actions:

Prepare

1. Cultivate a zero-tolerance policy for sexual harassment. Take proactive steps to make this policy and your company’s commitment visible.
2. Set guidelines to help employees understand appropriate norms for human interaction and affection in the workplace.
3. Create processes to consider how sexual harassment affects women of colour and other marginalized groups in your organization.
4. Educate yourself about your organization’s policies and procedures for when the board should be involved with or notified of sexual harassment complaints.
5. Galvanize across functions to help employees have quick access to resources.

Prevent

1. Accelerate parity in representation of women at all levels, including your Board of Directors.
2. Educate and train leaders on forms of sexual harassment – including how to escalate.
3. Focus on effective anti-sexual harassment training.

Respond

1. Reinforce your company’s zero-tolerance policy for sexual harassment and retaliation.
2. Investigate all claims promptly and fairly.
3. Honour the target of sexual harassment and follow up accordingly.
4. Allow space for support, understanding, and, ultimately, compassion.

Transform

1. Build a climate of respect and accountability.
2. Evaluate your company’s dominant business culture.
3. Address heavy alcohol consumption at work functions.