When did your employees last receive harassment training?
And, perhaps more importantly, what did that training actually teach them?
Employers increasingly need to focus not merely on whether training took place but whether it was capable of preventing harassment in practice.
Generic training may not be enough
An online module telling employees that harassment is unlawful has limitations. Effective training should reflect the risks within the organisation. That means using realistic scenarios.
For example:
- What should a receptionist do if a regular customer repeatedly comments on their appearance?
- What should a manager do if an employee complains about the behaviour of an important client?
- Can an employee end a telephone call if a customer becomes abusive or sexually inappropriate?
- What should someone do if they witness harassment rather than experience it themselves?
These exercises turn abstract legal obligations into decisions employees may actually have to make.
Managers need specific training
Managers require an additional layer of preparation.
They should understand:
- how to identify harassment;
- how to respond to a complaint;
- when to involve HR;
- how to deal with allegations concerning customers or clients;
- what immediate protective measures may be appropriate;
- how to avoid victimising the complainant; and
- the importance of documenting and escalating concerns.
Treat training as an ongoing process
Harassment training should not be a box-ticking exercise completed during induction and then forgotten.
Consider refresher training when:
- legislation changes;
- EHRC guidance changes;
- an incident identifies a weakness;
- the business changes significantly;
- employees move into higher-risk roles; or
- managers take on people-management responsibility.
The objective is not simply to prove that employees have completed a course.
It is to change behaviour and reduce the likelihood of harassment happening in the first place.
Please contact our Employment Team on 0345 646 0406 or fill in our online enquiry form and will be more than happy to help.