Sexual Harassment Campaign – does awareness drive change?

Sexual harassment in the workplace remains an issue that impacts workplaces of all sizes and across all industries. Yet many organisations fail to take proactive steps to prevent harassment or properly address complaints. Complacency and lack of education enable toxic cultures where harassment goes unchecked. 

It’s past the time for companies to make meaningful changes. Sexual harassment training and awareness campaigns are essential tools to ignite progress. When implemented thoughtfully, they can transform organisational culture for the better.

It hurts more than just the victims

Sexual harassment comes in many forms – from inappropriate jokes and touching, to threats, and assault. The effects extend far beyond individual victims to negatively impact organisations as a whole.

Targets of harassment experience psychological distress and health problems. They take more sick days, have higher turnover, and are less productive. Morale plummets across teams when harassment occurs without consequences. Recruitment suffers if a company gains a reputation for tolerance of abuse. The financial costs of litigation and settlements can be astronomical.

Simply put: sexual harassment is bad for business. Wise leaders recognise this and take proactive steps for change.

Training is not just a tick box

Many organisations now require anti-harassment training at least once per year. Unfortunately, a compliance mindset means programmes are often lacklustre. You’ll find employees just click through generic slide decks – but they don’t learn anything. And then leadership fails to model the expected behaviours, or enforce policies consistently.

Ineffective training backfires by breeding cynicism and reinforcing unacceptable norms. Employees perceive the content as HR lip service rather than an authentic commitment to cultural change.

For training to succeed, it must not be a check-the-box activity. Programming should incorporate:

• Tailored case studies and scenarios
• Small group discussions
• Skills practice for responding to inappropriate behaviours
• Leadership modelling of expected conduct
• Ongoing refreshers and follow-up activities

The goal is shaping mindsets and behaviours in real-world application. Participants should leave equipped to identify harassment and intervene as empowered bystanders or allies. Resources must also be readily available for targets to report issues safely.

Anti-sexual harassment campaign to reinforce the commitment

While foundational training builds knowledge, awareness campaigns reinforce the commitment at every turn. They serve as constant reminders to employees to uphold workplace values. Campaigns also signal to visitors and customers that harassment will not be tolerated.

Posters, flyers, intranet articles, emails, table tents, and other formats drive the message home. An Anti-Sexual Harassment Campaign will incorporate different communication channels for consistent reinforcement.

Messaging should clearly define prohibited behaviours, highlight reporting procedures, and articulate consequences. Bystander intervention tips empower employees to call out misconduct safely. Positive framing clarifies desired norms like mutual respect.

Ideally, campaigns are refreshed quarterly or annually to keep content engaging. Incorporating current news topics or cultural references makes the material feel timely rather than tired. Rotation also ensures nothing fades into background noise.

It starts at the top

Policies and programming mean nothing unless leaders embody the most stringent standards at every level of the organisation. Their actions as role models as cultural change starts from the top down.

Harassment allegations against senior leaders or high performers cannot be brushed under the rug. Everyone must be held accountable for meeting clearly defined expectations. No one should be considered “too valuable” to discipline appropriately.

Leaders also need competency in addressing complaints, leading investigations, and determining fair consequences. An independent professional may assist if internal expertise is lacking.

Ultimately, leaders themselves must complete training to heighten awareness of implicit bias, power dynamics, and micro-aggressions. Their understanding should far exceed baseline legal compliance.

External partners provide fresh perspective

Most harassment stems from cultural undercurrents that evolve slowly over years. Company veterans become desensitised while new employees absorb problematic norms.

External partners like harassment prevention firms and diversity experts offer fresh perspective. They identify issues that may lurk beneath the surface. Confidential assessments and anonymous surveys often surface concerns internal parties miss.

If weaknesses exist, credible partners help strengthen policies, reporting procedures, investigations, training, communications, and culture rebuilding. They hold leadership accountable while providing practical solutions tailored to the organisation.

Some partners can even deliver training programs or staff tip lines where employees report problems anonymously. Delegating sexual harassment prevention demonstrates serious commitment.

Stop tolerating toxic behaviours – it’s time for change

Sexual harassment inflicts tremendous damage when left unchecked. The true cost extends far beyond litigation into crippled morale, tarnished brands, and long-term performance declines.

Organisations can no longer tolerate inappropriate humour, sexist language, forced “flirting,” micro-aggressions, or abuse of power. Stop waiting for legal complaints and start shaping the culture proactively.

With strong policies, training, awareness campaigns, leadership modeling, and external support, companies can build workplaces where harassment has no place. Employees will be empowered to call out problems while leadership consistently responds.

The time for change is now. Complacency enables toxicity to take root and destroy cultural health. Commit publicly to stamping out harassment through meaningful action – not just policies. Employees and customers will take notice.

So what can you do, immediately?

Our Anti-Sexual Harassment Campaigns allow you to hit the ground running with your awareness goals. Simply choose the campaign that you prefer, and you’ll be able to launch within less than 15 minutes. Head on over to our shop to choose yours now.