Top 7 Reasons To Conduct Posh Training At The Workplace

• POSH

Dr. Aparna Sethi

Corporate Trainer and Author

POSH training for employees is essential to make employees aware of the law and the consequences of violations in the organization.

Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) is a law that falls under the POSH Act, of 2013. POSH – the word itself says “prevention” – of sexual harassment at the workplace. The POSH Act prevents and protects women at the workplace against sexual harassment. It also includes the provision of redressal against violation. As per law, it is applicable for Women at the workplace, but the company can consist of all employees, either full-time or on contract in the policy.

Organizing POSH training in an organization, fosters better relationships and equality among employees, thus ensuring a quality workplace environment for all its employees.

POSH training is a method used by organizations to educate their employees on sexual harassment of women at the workplace and create awareness of all that it has included under it. 

The POSH awareness training also throws light on the redressal mechanism one should take in case of any incident with themselves or their colleagues. On-time movement avoids legal complications and also helps maintain a healthy work environment in the company.

Importance of POSH training

1. POSH training is essential to make employees aware of the law and the consequences of violations in the organization. Therefore, the training has to be organized not only for women but also for men. Knowing what comes under sexual harassment, what can come under fake complaints, and how to make the correct use of the law and prohibit misuse; ensures a safe working environment for women and helps maintain equality at the workplace. 
2. Sometimes, a woman is not clear whether a particular incident is included under sexual harassment or not. Sometimes, colleagues who want to help are not clear on the law. POSH awareness training is critical in any organization to protect women’s rights and maintain a high-quality work environment for success and growth. With this, employees feel free to engage, interact, and coordinate with each other since they feel safer. People also have a higher level of job satisfaction, which helps in employee retention. This increases productivity at work. 
3. The POSH training is essential because it gives employers and employees an insight into what sexual harassment is and how to differentiate it from other non-sexual harassment cases. It prevents someone from being wrongly accused. 
4. Women often do not report the matter because they fear losing their livelihood, their personal and professional reputation and being stigmatized. Several employees might hesitate to report such cases as they feel it would be ineffective and result in losing their jobs. But POSH teaches how these situations can be dealt with proper measures. 
5. POSH training ensures prevention, prohibition and protection against sexual harassment at the workplace. POSH awareness training can save the company from legal complexities. 
6. A case against sexual harassment at the workplace can also damage the company’s image among its existing and prospective customers. In addition, it can also cause mental and monetary disruption to the employer. Hence, it is crucial to have timely POSH training for employees to safeguard the company’s reputation. 
7. POSH training boost morale among employees and educate the management to comply. Furthermore, it brings about better coordination between the employees, management, and fellow employees. All these factors provide a comfortable environment to work, promoting a positive work culture.

Employers can avoid financial and legal liabilities by arranging regular and effective sexual harassment prevention training provided by expert HR Services. POSH Training for employees ensures HR Compliance while educating and empowering employees. Moreover, it can in develop a better organizational culture wherein everyone understands the expected and accepted behaviour.