Picture this: a workplace where every employee, regardless of their gender, feels safe, respected, and valued. That’s precisely what POSH aims to achieve. It’s a policy that’s designed to prevent and address the dark shadow of sexual harassment that can loom over workplaces. It’s not just a set of dry policies and regulations but a beacon of hope for creating more inclusive and respectful workspaces.

POSH stands for the “Prevention of Sexual Harassment,” a policy that details a set of guidelines and regulations that aims to prevent and address instances of sexual harassment in the workplace. It was established to create a safe and respectful work environment for all employees, regardless of gender.

It’s essential for employers in India to adhere to the legal mandates and provide comprehensive POSH training to create a safe and respectful workplace environment for all employees. This training is governed by the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act of 2013. This act mandates specific requirements for employers to provide training and awareness programs to their employees to prevent and address sexual harassment at the workplace.

What are the key elements of POSH training for employees?

  • Employees should be educated on what constitutes sexual harassment, including various forms of unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature, both verbal and non-verbal.
  • Employees should be made aware of their rights and responsibilities concerning the prevention and reporting of sexual harassment incidents.
  • Training should cover how to use the internal complaint mechanism, including whom to approach and the steps involved in filing a complaint.
  • The importance of maintaining confidentiality during the complaint process should be emphasised to ensure the privacy of all parties involved.
  • Employees should understand that they are protected against any adverse actions or retaliation for filing a complaint or being a witness in a harassment case.
  • Training should inform employees about the legal consequences for individuals found guilty of sexual harassment at the workplace.
  • Employees should be educated on the various reporting mechanisms available, including how to approach the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) and the Local Complaints Committee (LCC).

The legal mandate for POSH training in India is primarily found in the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, and the related rules and guidelines issued by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. In essence, POSH isn’t just a policy; it’s a powerful step towards creating workspaces that are inclusive, respectful, and safe for everyone. It’s a reminder that in the pursuit of professional success, no one should ever have to compromise their dignity or well-being.

Sources: 

Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013: This is the primary legal document that outlines the requirements for preventing and addressing sexual harassment at the workplace. It specifies the need for awareness and training programs for employees.

Ministry of Women and Child Development Guidelines: The ministry has issued guidelines and notifications detailing the specific requirements for implementing POSH training, awareness programs, and the constitution of Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) and Local Complaints Committees (LCCs).