A harassment policy sets rules for behavior within an organization and includes restrictions on inappropriate actions, consequences for violating the rules, and procedures for reporting and addressing harassment, including sexual harassment. It applies to all members of the organization and ensures fair treatment. Anonymous reporting is often allowed to prevent retaliation.
A harassment policy is a code put in place by an institution that sets that institution’s rules regarding behavior. In general, a harassment policy will include restrictions on inappropriate action against another person within the institution and will detail the consequences of violating those rules. Harassment policies are common in companies, universities, and other sizable organizations.
Harassment is generally considered behavior that upsets or threatens another person. This may include taunting, bullying, or constantly interfering with another person. Harassment of this type can be conducted in person or through electronic means such as phone calls or emails. While harassment policies can vary across different organizations, countries, and cultures, they are typically in place to ensure that all members of an organization are treated fairly.
A key element of harassment policies is addressing sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is persistent sexual advances or inappropriate and unwanted sexual discussions. Especially when committed by a boss or another in a position of authority, sexual harassment in the workplace is considered unethical and in many cases illegal.
A harassment policy sets out what is deemed appropriate or inappropriate within that organization. In a company, this policy will apply to all employees and any other workers. In a school, it will apply to students, faculty and staff. Most organizations will require their members to read and sign a copy of the harassment policy and, therefore, agree to abide by it. Some companies require their employees to complete tests or seminars that familiarize them with the company’s harassment policy.
The other key point of a harassment policy is describing the actions to be taken if the policy is violated. This includes the ways members of an organization can report harassment and the steps they will take to ensure that the complaint is dealt with fairly. The policy will also describe the consequences of the violation.
An important aspect of a harassment policy is ensuring that anyone who reports a possible violation of the policy is not subject to retaliation. Organizations often allow anonymous or secret reporting. In most companies, the director or human resources manager handles complaints under the harassment policy.
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