Leading Harassment Training Even When Harassment Training Is Not Your Expertise.

As harassment becomes an increasingly relevant and sophisticated issue across all industries, it’s crucial to have a clear plan for addressing all potential problems that could arise. One of the best ways to ensure your team is adequately informed on what constitutes unacceptable behavior is through comprehensive, high-quality harassment training.

And while having an HR professional lead or spearhead this type of education program can be beneficial, there’s something even more compelling: having a leader introduce the importance of such training from recognized experts. So why exactly is it so essential for a leader to get involved with introducing their team members to workplace harassment policies? What unique benefits come from employing this approach?

Let's explore those answers and discuss how you can leverage leadership when enacting successful anti-harassment programs in your office.

Overview

Having a leader introduce the importance of harassment training can positively impact an organization. This is beneficial not only to employers but also to employees and customers alike.

When a leader introduces the importance of harassment training, it sends a strong message to everyone in the organization that such behavior will not be tolerated. Simultaneously, it also means that any employees or customers who experience or witness harassment will know they can come forward and be heard. Agencies, plaintiff's attorneys, judges, and courts will also have to acknowledge that the organization takes anti-harassment concepts so seriously that the leadership takes workplace safety exceptionally importantly.

Harassment training further empowers individuals by providing education regarding what constitutes harassment and how to handle those concerns. Employees and customers can understand their rights and be confident they will be respected in the workplace because they know their concerns will be taken seriously, even by senior leadership. It also allows them to recognize something wrong within the organization or society.

By having a leader introduce harassment training, organizations are demonstrating their commitment to creating a safe work environment. This can help build trust and safety between employers and employees, as well as with customers. It also shows that the organization is committed to creating a safe and respectful culture. This can improve employee morale, engagement, and productivity.

The Three Primary Types of Workplace Harassments

Verbal Harassment

Verbal Harassment is one of the most common forms of workplace harassment. It can include things like insults, threats, and other disparaging comments. Verbal harassment can also be subtle, such as gossiping or spreading rumors about someone. It’s important to note that verbal harassment isn’t limited to direct interactions with coworkers—it can also take place online, such as on social media sites.

One prime example of verbal harassment is bullying. Bullying is any type of repeated, aggressive behavior that can cause physical and emotional harm. This can include name-calling, teasing, verbal abuse, threats, or exclusion from the group.