Harassment training and diversity training are two hot topics in business. Most of our clients understand the importance of these training sessions and often want to know how quickly WhyHR can come in to train their employees. Company-wide training is important, but there is an even more important step to take first: have a plan.
Training is obviously a huge piece of providing a safe and equitable workplace; however, it means little if it is not backed by the right policies and procedures throughout the company. Before we conduct training, we want to be sure these pieces are in place.
Review your policies
The first step is to take a look at your policies. These should be a part of your employee handbook. If you don’t have policies regarding diversity and harassment in the workplace, it’s time to create some.
Policies dealing with harassment should include methods of reporting for those who have experienced harassment, as well as an outline of what happens after harassment is reported. Diversity policies should outline the company’s commitment to a diverse workforce, as well as what specific steps they are taking to stand behind the commitment.
Every company should have both harassment and diversity policies that accurately reflect what happens within your company on a day-to-day basis. If the policy is not being followed, do practices need to change, or does the policy need to be updated?
Educate your supervisors
Your supervisors are the ones who will be your front line when it comes to enacting a lot of your policies. This is especially true when it comes to harassment issues. Harassment will likely be reported to them first before it gets reported to the HR department, or they may witness it happening within their team.
We need to equip supervisors on how to handle these issues and educate them on what steps to take when they receive a harassment or discrimination complaint. This includes instruction on the weight of liability they carry for the company, what to say and what not to say, and where to take the claim after they receive it.
Train all employees
Training all employees is the final step in the process. Once you know you have the correct policies in place and your supervisors are equipped to support them, then it is time for company-wide training. Diversity training and harassment training are important and necessary for all employees so you can raise awareness of the issues and clearly communicate your policies and expectations for your team.
As you consider trainings for your company, don’t skip the most important steps in the process. Take the time to ensure you have a plan and that you are set up to follow that plan.
If you don’t have a plan or you would like help reviewing your plan, call WhyHR to talk about our services. We can create and review policies, train employees, and provide ongoing support for your organization.