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THE ROLE OF A PREVENTION OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT COMMITTEE (POSH) TRAINER EMPOWERING ORGANIZATIONS TO FOSTER SAFE AND INCLUSIVE WORKPLACES
INTRODUCTION
Ms Raina Khatri Tandon, wears many hats as a Consultant into Women and Children Rights, limitless enabler, keynote speaker and an Inclusive leader creating inclusive workplaces. She has 20 +years of international experience in leadership, human psychology, innovation, diversity and inclusion and consulting, upholding me. She has successfully bagged many awards, interviews and accolades and covered in international magazines for the value work in achieving safe complainant organizations, NGOs and Government initiatives through balanced approaches in latest implementation of policies, organizational culture, leadership top down and employee development.
Creating safe and inclusive workplaces is a fundamental responsibility of every organization. Sexual harassment is a pervasive issue that affects individuals and can harm the overall work environment. To combat this problem, many companies establish Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) committees. These committees play a crucial role in raising awareness, preventing incidents, and providing support to victims. One key figure in this process is the POSH trainer. In this article, we will explore the significance of a POSH trainer and their role in empowering organizations to foster safe and inclusive work environments.
UNDERSTANDING THE POSH TRAINER
A POSH trainer is an individual who specializes in delivering comprehensive training programs on preventing sexual harassment in the workplace. They possess expertise in the legal aspects of sexual harassment, understanding power dynamics, and implementing preventive measures. The primary role of a POSH trainer is to educate employees about their rights, responsibilities, and avenues for reporting incidents. By imparting knowledge and facilitating discussions, they aim to create a culture of respect and dignity within the organization.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF A POSH TRAINER
Conducting Training Sessions: A POSH trainer designs and conducts training sessions that are tailored to the organization's needs. These sessions typically cover topics such as defining sexual harassment, understanding consent, recognizing inappropriate behavior, and the legal framework surrounding workplace harassment. They use various training methods, including interactive presentations, case studies, group activities, and role-playing exercises, to engage participants and promote active learning.
Raising Awareness: One of the primary objectives of a POSH trainer is to raise awareness about sexual harassment and its consequences. They emphasize the importance of respect, consent, and maintaining professional boundaries. By sharing real-life examples and statistics, they highlight the impact of sexual harassment on individuals, teams, and the overall organization. This awareness helps create a supportive environment where employees are vigilant and committed to preventing harassment.
Policy Implementation: A POSH trainer works closely with the organization's POSH committee to ensure the effective implementation of the sexual harassment policy. They educate employees about the policy's key provisions, reporting procedures, and available support mechanisms. Additionally, they help establish a system for maintaining confidentiality and provide guidance on handling complaints in a fair and unbiased manner.
Addressing Queries and Concerns: Employees may have questions, concerns, or misconceptions about sexual harassment. A POSH trainer acts as a resource person, providing clarifications and addressing queries raised during training sessions or individually. They create a safe space for open discussions and encourage participants to share their experiences, thus facilitating a deeper understanding of the issue.
Monitoring and Evaluation: A POSH trainer collaborates with the POSH committee to monitor the effectiveness of preventive measures and training programs. They gather feedback from participants, conduct surveys, and assess the impact of training on employees' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours. This feedback helps in refining training strategies and ensuring continuous improvement in the organization's approach to preventing sexual harassment.
CONCLUSION
The presence of a dedicated POSH trainer in an organization can significantly contribute to the prevention of sexual harassment and the establishment of a safe and inclusive work environment. By delivering comprehensive training programs, raising awareness, and addressing concerns, they equip employees with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify and prevent sexual harassment incidents. Furthermore, a POSH trainer helps organizations foster a culture of respect, dignity, and zero tolerance for harassment. Through their efforts, they empower individuals and contribute to building a workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and able to reach their full potential.
Guest Author
Dr. Niraalee Shah
Founder: Image Building and Etiquette Mapping
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