Everything You Need to Know About the Worker Protection Act and How to Get Ready Now
This October, an amendment to the Equality Act 2010, known as the Worker Protection Act 2023, comes into effect. This legislation represents a huge step forward in recognising the harm harassment can cause and aims to create safer and more respectful workplaces for everyone.
The act requires a proactive approach from employers. Instead of just reacting to complaints, businesses will now have the opportunity to showcase the positive steps they've taken to prevent sexual harassment altogether. This shift empowers businesses to foster a culture of respect and inclusivity from the ground up.
Here's how you, as a business leader, can be a champion for this positive change and Get ahead of the game. October will come around quickly and so what can you start doing today?
Review your Anti-Harassment policies: Ensure they clearly defines sexual harassment and provides specific examples to help people recognise it.
Live by your policies: Treat every complaint and complainant with the dignity & respect they deserve.
Create multiple, confidential channels for employees to report concerns. This could include anonymous reporting options through hotlines or online forms. Discretion is key; people should feel safe when reporting inappropriate behaviour.
Create a supportive culture where employees recognise and speak up when they experience or witness harassment.
Invest in anti-harassment and active bystander training for all.
Lead by Example: Leaders play a crucial role in setting the tone. Managers must demonstrate respectful behaviour and consistently enforce a zero-tolerance policy.
Open Communication: Encourage open communication and provide regular feedback mechanisms, like anonymous surveys, to identify potential issues and ensure employees feel comfortable speaking up.
Upskill or refresh your HR team in dealing with disclosures and provide support for them during and after the complaint has been dealt with. These processes have an emotional impact on HR professionals.
By taking these steps now, you can demonstrate your commitment to creating a safe and respectful workplace. This not only protects your employees but also your business’ reputation and resources.
Ready to Champion Positive Change?
Navigating legal changes and building a robust anti-harassment program can be complex.
That's where I can help! As an HR consultant with extensive experience, I can guide you through the process of implementing the Worker Protection Act effectively.
Schedule a free consultation today to discuss how we can create a safer, more respectful, and thriving workplace for your team.
About Mountain HR
We help companies create happy, productive teams. We tackle tricky people issues, boost employee morale, and set you up as an employer of choice.
We offer a comprehensive range of HR services, including policy creation, employee engagement projects, executive coaching and manager training. Let us handle the HR headaches, so you can focus on achieving your business goals.
