Depending on the type of business you run, you may have employees getting their first-ever taste of the working world. In some cases, employees receiving their first real-world work experience may not realize when their behavior crosses a line or becomes inappropriate or unlawful in nature. This is one of a number of reasons why sexual harassment is often more prevalent in environments where staff members are younger, but this is not to say that the issue does not exist in environments where staff members are older.
Instead, sexual harassment has the capacity to occur in any type of work environment. When it does take place, it has the potential to cost your business a considerable amount of time and money. In some cases, sexual harassment allegations may force your company to shutter entirely. So, it is in your interest to train your staff members accordingly to prevent this type of behavior. Offering sexual harassment prevention training within your business offers the following notable benefits:
It reduces the chances of litigation
In the wake of the #MeToo movement, the number of sexual harassment allegations filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission doubled. In 2017, employers paid out roughly $47.5 million in damages relating to sexual harassment allegations. In 2018, however, this figure increased to $70 million, spotlighting just how much this type of harassment is costing American employers.
It builds trust and productivity in the workforce
Sexual harassment has a tendency to lead to physical or mental issues for those who experience it, so the more you are able to eliminate it from your workplace, the better off your workers are typically going to be. Holding those who commit sexual harassment accountable also shows victims of it that you are not going to stand for this behavior in the workplace, which may increase employee loyalty and trust.
Preventing sexual harassment in your place of business may do more than save you money and time – it may help you create a loyal, lasting workforce that trusts you to do what is right.
