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How to Conduct an Effective Awareness Program on Sexual Harassment at the Workplace.

An effective awareness program on sexual harassment should begin with a clear definition of what constitutes harassment. Employees must understand not only the obvious forms of harassment, such as physical assault or verbal abuse, but also subtler behaviors like inappropriate comments, gestures, or advances. This comprehensive understanding can help prevent incidents before they occur. The program should be interactive and include real-life case studies that allow employees to identify and discuss potential harassment situations. Role-playing exercises can also help employees practice how to respond to harassment or report it appropriately. This will make them feel more confident in identifying problematic behaviors and taking action. Awareness programs should be conducted regularly and tailored to the specific needs of the workplace. For example, in industries with high turnover rates, it's important to offer refresher training to ensure all employees are up to date on the organi...

Corporate Responsibility Under the POSH Act: Best Practices for Organizations.

As organizations strive to create inclusive and safe workplaces, corporate responsibility under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, 2013, has become more critical than ever. Beyond legal compliance, companies must foster a culture of dignity, respect, and zero tolerance for harassment.

Understanding Corporate Responsibility

While the POSH Act mandates compliance measures such as Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) and awareness programs, true corporate responsibility extends beyond legal obligations:

Proactive Prevention – Organizations must create preventive policies that discourage harassment rather than just responding to complaints.

Support for Victims – Providing access to counseling and legal assistance strengthens employees’ trust in the redressal system.

Transparent Complaint Mechanisms – A clear, well-communicated grievance process ensures employees feel safe reporting incidents.

Best Practices for POSH Compliance

To effectively implement POSH guidelines, organizations should adopt the following best practices:

1. Establish a Strong ICC – Ensure that the Internal Complaints Committee is well-trained, impartial, and accessible to all employees.

2. Regular Awareness and Training Programs – Conduct interactive, scenario-based training sessions to help employees recognize and prevent workplace harassment.

3. Encourage Bystander Intervention – Training employees to identify and intervene in cases of inappropriate behavior fosters collective accountability.

4. Strict Anti-Retaliation Policies – Clearly outline protections for complainants to ensure they are not subjected to workplace retaliation.

5. Periodic Policy Reviews – Conduct regular audits and assessments to improve POSH policies based on real-world implementation challenges.

6. Leadership Commitment – Senior management should actively endorse and participate in workplace safety initiatives to set the tone for compliance.

Benefits of a Strong POSH Framework

A workplace that upholds POSH principles benefits in multiple ways:

Higher Employee Retention – Employees feel secure and valued, leading to increased job satisfaction and reduced attrition.

Positive Brand Reputation – Organizations known for ethical practices attract better talent and business opportunities.

Legal Protection – Ensuring full compliance with the POSH Act mitigates legal risks and financial penalties.

Conclusion

Corporate responsibility under the POSH Act is not just about following regulations—it is about building a safe and inclusive workplace culture. By adopting best practices, organizations can create environments where employees feel protected, respected, and empowered to perform their best.

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PoSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment )Awareness Session helps organisations in a big way in 1) Preventing and Discourage sexually harrasement at work 2) Encouraging victims to file grievances 3) Encouraging coworkers to understand their role in creating safe work environment. 4) Highlighting the Gender Neutral policy aspects Glad to have delivered at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals ~Noida A detailed employee and manager session highlighting key aspects of POSH ACT 2013 through case studies , Videos and Quiz . Thank you Trisha Singh and Saloni for organising,participating and partnering in the session. It is such a inspiration to see how the HR and leadership team is working together to ensure this organisation continues to be a workplace of choice in healthcare sector. Voice of SASHA 🤝POSHADVO Kanti Joshi 🤝Adv Kanchan K. Kanchan Khatana And Associates Sexual Harassment at Workplace Posh Training Best POSH consultant in India POSH ACT 2013