Sexual Harassment in the Workplace (For Managers)

1What is sexual harassment?

This opening chapter defines sexual harassment and explores the three main types: verbal, non-verbal, and physical. As a manager, you are encouraged to reflect on situations such as ‘banter’ and to understand that behaviour isn’t judged acceptable based on someone’s immediate reaction. Even if a remark or joke is ignored or seemingly welcomed, it may still be degrading or humiliating.

You’ll learn that harassment can involve colleagues, senior staff, customers, or anyone in the workplace, and it is your responsibility to ensure the organisation takes appropriate action.

Pervasive harassment, discrimination, and criminal behaviour are examined, with real-life examples and case studies. You’ll also find out about consensual interactions, look at who might be involved, and find out how often sexual harassment happens and why.

2Recognising sexual harassment

Chapter two explains that sexual harassment remains prevalent despite legislation and policies, and explores how to recognise when it’s happening in the workplace. You’ll learn how to identify both overt and subtle forms of sexual harassment and how to spot behaviours that might indicate harassment is occurring.

You’ll also find out about who may be involved in committing workplace sexual harassment, and who it happens to and you’ll be introduced to some real-life case studies, aimed at helping you to understand the impact sexual harassment can have.

Next, you’ll look at information and statistics to explain how often sexual harassment may happen and why. Then you’ll explore the ways you can recognise inappropriate behaviour, and look at the differences between overt and subtle forms of sexual harassment, as well as sexual harassment ‘red flags’ to help you recognise when inappropriate conduct may be happening.

This chapter emphasises that managers are active observers and leaders in prevention, ensuring a respectful and safe environment for all employees

3Legislation, policies and procedures

This chapter covers the laws, workplace policies, and procedures that protect employees from sexual harassment and outline manager and supervisor responsibilities. You’ll learn how the Equality Act 2010 defines harassment, who it applies to, and how the Worker Protection (Amendment) Act 2023 strengthens protections for employees.

Managers are guided through their duties, including understanding vicarious liability – organisations can be held responsible for harassment by employees unless “all reasonable steps” have been taken to prevent it. You will learn how to:

• Know and communicate your organisation’s anti-harassment policy effectively

• Model zero tolerance for inappropriate behaviour

• Take all complaints seriously, including informal disclosures

• Handle a disclosure from start to finish, following organisational procedures while maintaining confidentiality and supporting the employee

The chapter also covers whistleblowing procedures, the escalation process, and the steps managers must follow if a disclosure involves criminal behaviour.

4The consequences

This chapter explores the wide-ranging consequences of sexual harassment in the workplace. Managers will learn about the impact on the individual, including mental and physical health, career progression, and job satisfaction.

The course also highlights the effects on teams and managers, including reduced trust, lower morale, and the challenges of managing affected team members. You’ll be shown practical ways to support:

• Team members impacted by harassment

• The individual who has been harassed

• The accused, if they remain in the workplace

• Yourself as a manager, ensuring you can lead effectively while managing the situation

Finally, the chapter covers the impact on the wider organisation, including reputational, legal, and operational consequences, and includes a real-world case study to illustrate these effects in practice.

5Preventing sexual harassment

The course closes with an important chapter focusing on preventing sexual harassment and the crucial role managers play in creating a safe and respectful workplace. While everyone in the organisation has a part to play, managers and leaders are responsible for setting the tone, modelling appropriate behaviour, and encouraging a culture where harassment is not tolerated.

6Conclusion and assessment

By the end of this course, managers, leaders and supervisors will have a clear understanding of what constitutes sexual harassment, how to recognise it, and the actions to take if an incident occurs. You’ll also be equipped to support your team, handle disclosures appropriately, and foster a respectful and inclusive workplace culture.

The course concludes with a short assessment, which must be completed with a minimum pass rate of 80% to successfully finish the training.

After you’ve completed this course you will have the knowledge and confidence to lead by example, uphold organisational policies, and ensure a harassment-free workplace.