How to Protect Your Employees in the Workplace
Employers must provide their employees with a safe workplace that protects their health and safety. It is also essential to protect your employees against harassment in the workplace, which can have devastating effects on them.
Tips for Protecting Your Employees in the Workplace
Below are some tips to protect your employees in the workplace.
1. Establish a Policy
Employers should establish a policy that stresses the need for an environment of mutual respect and how harassment will not be tolerated. This policy should be posted in prominent places where employees can read it easily. It should also be public knowledge so that employees know the harassment policy and how it will be enforced. This policy should also be in writing and signed by both parties before any action is taken against either party.
2. Ensure Equal Employment Opportunities
In the workplace, there is a need for equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of their gender, race, etc. Equality should be applied to how each employee is treated and promoted within the company and their job title. Equality will also ensure that all employees feel comfortable within the company and are not discriminated against because of their gender, race, or religion.
3. Ensure Proper Training
Training is one of the best ways to implement a policy regarding harassment and help prevent it in the future. Employees must be made aware of the policy, who is responsible for it, and how to report any harassment against them or other employees that may take place in the workplace.
Training is a way for employees to learn about your company’s culture and how to contribute to it, and how to prevent harassment from occurring within the company.
4. Establish a Reporting Policy
An environment of mutual respect means that employers must have a policy allowing employees to report harassment without fear of losing their jobs. Employers can put in place a reporting policy that states how any issues should be notified and the action that will be taken once the complaint has been filed. It is essential to investigate the complaint and allow each party to give their side of events before any action is taken against them.
5. Have a Company Code of Conduct
Employees need to understand their company policy regarding harassment and have a guideline for what can be considered harassment and what can’t. It is essential for both employees and employers as it will set up specific guidelines for any future harassment issues that may arise. It also helps to establish clear lines of communication between employees and employers so there are no misunderstandings, which may lead to future complaints against your company.
6. Have Effective Supervisors and Managers
Supervisors and managers are directly responsible for a company’s culture, which is created by their actions, decisions, and behavior. Supervisors and managers must be held accountable for their efforts in the workplace. They must respect all employees and treat them fairly within the company. If they fail, they should be reprimanded accordingly or face termination within the company.
7. Monitor the Workplace
Employers should always be aware of what is happening in the workplace and how their employees are treated. Employers must ensure that they are not contributing to a toxic work environment through their actions or behavior, which may come across as harassment to another employee. Employers should take necessary action against any employee who may harass others at work.
8. Create an HR Department
An HR department is the best way for employers to oversee and maintain a harassment-free workplace. It is especially true if you have multiple businesses in your company. Having a central person who works solely to look after your employees’ rights can keep you informed of any issues that may arise and how to handle them. An HR manager will ensure that your business has the proper policies in place and can follow up on any complaints made by your employees.
9. Set Up Security Cameras
Harassment within the workplace is a serious issue that requires immediate action. But there can also be threats outside of the workplace. People with nefarious intentions may try to gain entry into a workplace, so a security camera system is necessary as a layer of protection for employees.
The Bottom Line
By implementing these tips, companies can ensure that their employees report harassment or any other issues within the company, so they can take the appropriate action to prevent future complaints from being made. By creating a solid policy and establishing an environment of mutual respect, employers can protect their employees from harassment in the workplace.
