A Respectful Workplace

Odds are that you, or your employees have been personally affected by sexual harassment in the workplace, and only now are people emerging from the shadows to tell their stories.   As leaders, it is imperative that we do the hard work to address this issue within our own organizations.

 

It began with Harvey Weinstein, and most recently with Matt Lauer. Headlines plastered with shocking allegations involving high profile men in power seemingly set off an avalanche of #metoo stories surfacing throughout social media. As more and more individuals come forward and share their stories of harassment publicly, we will see a trickle down wave of people who previously had not felt safe enough to speak up in our own organizations, now doing so. Are you prepared for those conversations?

 

As leaders, it is our job to not only lead in the moment, but to anticipate the needs of our organizations going forward. Admittedly, sexual harassment and gender bias are not typically topics that most employers prefer to focus on, often choosing to address topics that are less taboo.

 

So what do we do in this cultural moment of #metoo?

 

There is great opportunity for companies to lean into these headlines to take a hard look at sexual harassment and gender bias in their own organizations and how to safeguard employees going forward. Shari Goldsmith LISW of Workplace Resilience, and Melanie Booher MHR PHR SHRM-CP of MB Consulting Solutions have collaborated to bring employers comprehensive training to better understand the historical landscape of sexual harassment, the current trends addressing issues, and strategic planning to cultivate a Respectful Workplace where your team can thrive without the fear of harassment.

 

Respectful Workplace is an interactive workshop that takes attendees through the following topics –

 

Understanding Sexual Harassment | History and Trends

How did we get here?

If we are to move forward we must understand how we got here. Presenters will share the history of sexual harassment in the work place that led to this pivotal moment in our cultures.

 

What is considered “harassment”?

Why is one set of behaviors sexual harassment and another is not? Learn to identify what constitutes “workplace harassment” and what is just “bad behavior”, with practical tips to address both.

 

What does the law and data say?

Incidents of harassment and gender bias are more pervasive than we realize. Dig beyond the headlines to understand the data detailing prevalence, prevention, and planning strategies.

Understanding the legal basis for protecting employees from an abusive work place require a deep understanding of not only of internal company policy about the matter, but a collective understanding of EEOC guidelines.

 

Understanding Cultural Impact | Values and Vision Alignment

How does my culture impact sexual harassment?

Employers need to address their own culture and the social norms that breed a hostile environment. Employees must be aware of the values that are demonstrated in a respectful workplace, and then identify whether these specific values do exist in their respective departments or teams. After this process, employees will create an action plan to move forward both individually and as an organization.

 

Understanding Implicit Bias | Prevention and Planning

What does implicit bias have to do with sexual harassment?

As sexual harassment becomes the center of a national discussion, it is only natural that employers would need to be prepared to understand, acknowledge, and address incidents of implicit bias in their own organizations and how it cultivates an environment that may perpetuate sexual harassment. Identifying patterns of implicit bias within the culture and organizational structure of your company is crucial if sustainable change is to occur.

 

What is my responsibility as an employer?

So what should you do about it?  YOU need to become a LEADER, an advocate, a supporter, and call out Sexual discrimination and harassment where you see it and work collaboratively with company leadership to change the culture going forward. Attendees will walk away with practical, real world strategies to implement change starting NOW.