Tracey Spicer, an Australian broadcaster and author, asked members of her vast social media network to suggest ways to end sexual harassment in the workplace.
And she got some interesting responses that are worthy of consideration here. The list was published recently by the web site of an Australian lifestyle network called NineHoney.
What follows are just a few of the ideas. Those that I deem particular worthy are in bold:
- Clearly define what comes under the umbrella of sexual harassment;
- Teach children and parents about consent as part of a school program;
- Re-frame the concept of what it is to be a good man – teach men to be better bystanders;
- Empower HR Departments to take action if women are at risk;
- The board and top executives should commit to a zero tolerance policy;
- Sexual harassment should be a standing agenda item at board/management meetings
- Companies should file a mandatory annual report of policies, sexual harassment instances and penalties. In Australia, the report would be filed with the Workplace Gender Equality Agency. There is no equivalent public agency in the United States though the EEOC is responsible for implementing federal laws governing sexual harassment;
- Permit employees to report sexual harassment through an “external” or outside “portal”;
- Track repeat offenders over time, through multiple workplaces;
- Consider making non-disclosure agreements legally void;
- Create a universally accepted protocol for reporting sexual harassment, with protection for whistle blowers;
- Legislate criminal charges for company directors who cover up sexual harassment.
- Extend the statute of limitations for filing a civil case alleging sexual harassment.
- Consider an inquiry, summit or commission to assess the scale of the problem and consider solutions.
- Access to free support, counseling for victims.
Spicer, who is herself a victim of sexual harassment, has launched an investigation of the problem in Australia and has compiled accounts of sexual harassment from more than 400 sexual harassment victims. She recently reported that she is now the target of death threats.