For more updates follow Grant Thornton Bharat WhatsApp channel
Do you wish to create a safe workplace environment where employees are not afraid to speak up in case of any sexual harassment or discrimination? What is your current definition of workplace and does your existing workplace policies address sexual harassment? These are some questions that all organisations need to ask themselves when considering workplace security.
We strongly believe that creating a safe and secure work culture that is free from discrimination and harassment and provides equal opportunity for all its employees, is the best way to attract, retain and develop global talent and ensure strong business performance.
Grant Thornton Bharat LLP’s (POSH) compliance advisory services can help you create a safe and secure work culture.
With Covid-19 and the advent of working from home, sexual harassment has not ended, instead it has gone virtual. With boundaries of ‘workplace’ blurring and organisations engaging with larger number of contract workers, there is a need for organisations to reassess the POSH policy to ensure it effectively covers all workplace settings, who all fall under the policy’s purview and simultaneously have robust processes to prevent and address any unfortunate event.
Organisations need to look at creating awareness among employees regarding POSH policies in a hybrid workplace and constantly check on unconscious biases. The system built should allow regular check on teams and advocate a zero-tolerance policy. Our services can enable processes that focus on gender sensitivity and healthier workforce inclusion. This will also ensure equal opportunity for all employees and retain the good talent within the company.
Dinesh Anand National Managing Partner, Risk, Private Equity, POSH and ESG, Grant Thornton BharatNotably, the Indian laws- the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act) and the Indian Penal Code, 1860, (IPC) have stated provisions for the prevention of sexual harassment. These laws criminalise offences such as sexual harassment, stalking and voyeurism and provide legislative help to women.
Although the POSH Act in India is applicable to women, there are increasing instances of men and LGBTQ being sexually harassed, as well. With workplace diversity and inclusivity gaining importance, companies can relook at the policy to include all genders and effectively provide a safe and secure workplace to all its employees.
To build safe working culture, Grant Thornton Bharat’s services focus on all compliance related to prevention of sexual harassment in the workplace including filing and sexual harassment training for Internal Committee and employees as well as policy creation/updation to make it relevant to the new normal as well as address diversity and inclusivity by making the policy gender neutral.
With strong capabilities and deep knowledge about POSH, we offer a diverse set of services across the globe.
If you are an organisation that believes in creating a workplace of the future, going beyond the requirements of the law and creating a healthy workplace culture, Grant Thornton Bharat can help you achieve the same. Here’s how we can help you:
Grant Thornton Bharat offers comprehensive support in POSH compliance advisory, including investigations and training, to help you establish a workplace that is safe and secure.
Watch the webinar to understand how organisations can develop inclusive POSH processes and policies for a hybrid working space.
Want to create a safe environment for employees against any harassment and looking for expert intervention and support on POSH polices and other related services?