In recent years, the fight against sexual harassment has gained significant momentum, notably through the influence of the Me Too Movement.  This has helped to shine a spotlight on sexual harassment in the workplace and created much needed shift in the way that we deal with incidents in the world of business.

Under the new Act, employers must do more than maintain an anti-harassment policy. They are required to take 'reasonable steps' to prevent harassment, anticipating potential scenarios and addressing risks proactively.

But what should employers be doing? Here are our top tips:

1. Develop an Effective Anti-Harassment Policy: Clearly outline unacceptable behaviours and procedures for reporting incidents. Importantly review these annually or where you identify any new risks.
2. Engage Employees: Use one-on-one meetings, exit interviews and employee surveys to help foster open communication.
3. Assess Risks: Complete a risk assessment and identify areas of vulnerability within your organisation and take steps to mitigate these.
4. Training: Implement mandatory training sessions to raise awareness among employees covering a host of topics.
5. 'Speak Up' System: Encourage employees to report concerns through a dedicated system.
6. Handle Complaints Seriously: Follow your policy when addressing complaints and take all complaints seriously.
7. Address Third-Party Harassment: Treat incidents involving clients or customers with the same seriousness as you would an internal incident.

By taking these steps, businesses not only comply with the law but also contribute to a safer and more respectful workplace culture.

If you need further assistance or would like to discuss the impact of these changes on your business, don't hesitate to reach out.  Alternatively, get all of our latest advice and guidance straight to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter here.