HR managers play a significant role in building a strong team for the organization. Besides picking the right resources and streamlining human resource operations, they ensure employee engagement, development, and loyalty. But there’s much more they do for a company beyond the ordinary duties and day-to-day roles. HR managers ensure that the workplace is safe for everyone, specifically when it comes to sex crimes like assault, stalking, pornography, and more. These crimes are more serious than civil offenses like harassment and discrimination. So organizations need to give extra attention to them. Let us explain how HR Managers can do their bit to reduce the possibilities of sex crimes in the workplace.
Establish organizational norms
An organization can go a long way to prevent sex offenses by creating a safe environment for everyone. It is only possible by establishing stringent organizational norms for preventing such incidents in the first place. A zero-tolerance policy and strict disciplinary action against the guilty employees set an example and discourage other employees from such acts. HR Managers can establish norms and procedures for reporting and addressing sex crimes in the workplace. Clear and effective norms reduce the possibility of small incidents escalating to full-blown crimes.
Vet employees before hiring
Sex offenses seldom happen out of the blue. Most times, repeat offenders indulge in such behavior. As a hiring manager, you must go the extra mile to vet employees before bringing them on board. Have a thorough background screening system in place, and ensure you do it for every resource. Communicating the company’s stance against sex crimes should be a part of the onboarding process. Moreover, managers should watch employee behavior closely to identify red flags that indicate the probability of offensive actions in the future. It matters as much as monitoring the productivity and performance of your workforce.
Make it easy to report inappropriate behavior
Serious sex crimes in the workplace often begin as small incidents such as lewd remarks, inappropriate touching, and more. HR Managers must do their best to discourage such behavior with an easy reporting process. You may even implement anonymous reporting to make people more comfortable about bringing up such concerns. Employees must have a clear understanding of the reporting process. Additionally, they should feel confident about being heard. Taking action on the smallest incidents can prevent the more serious forms of offenses in the long run.
Discourage false allegations
Sex crimes are a concern for managers because they can affect the safety of the workplace and the reputation of the business. At the same time, false allegations should be discouraged because they can create problems for innocent people. Educate employees about steering clear of making such allegations in the first place. Create awareness about dealing with them. For example, someone falsely accused should call a sex crime attorney to build their defense in the first place. Do not take such possibilities frivolously because they are as likely as actual offenses in your organization.
Offer protection against retaliation
HR managers must also create a fearless environment for people looking to report sex crimes. At times, employees remain silent because of the fear of hostile treatment or retaliation they may receive. They need to know that they have the support of the company in these situations. Be there to listen and take proactive measures like investigating incidents right away and taking strict disciplinary actions against the perpetrators. Your approach to the incidents of sex crimes builds the foundation of a secure workplace for everyone.
Encourage diversity in leadership
Preventing sex crimes in your organization requires more than reporting procedures and disciplinary actions. HR Managers can work on a bigger level by bringing diversity into the workplace. Encouraging it in leadership roles is even more crucial. For example, women tend to feel safer in the workplaces having women in leading positions. These leaders can do their bit by speaking openly against the bane of sex crimes and establishing an organizational stance against them. Managers must rise above the labels and recognize that anyone may be a victim, regardless of their gender, social standing, and professional role.
Most importantly, encourage employees to be the preventers of crime in your company. Train and educate them to intervene and report issues when they see something amiss. Ensure they have no qualms about preventing sex crimes, no matter who is on the wrong side. When people feel safe in the workplace, they are more productive and happy. Implementing these practices against sex crimes enables you to foster a safe and healthy environment within your company.
HR Future Staff Writer
