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Workplace Harassment and Discrimination
Addressing Sexual and Workplace Harassment
Following UAE Law No. 8 of 1980, as amended (the 'Labour Law'), which applies to all UAE employees, whether UAE nationals or expatriates. The law mandates a disciplinary sanction that can vary from a warning or fine to termination with or without notice. Yet, a disciplinary sanction may not be forced without the employer first undertaking a disciplinary process.
Recently, no other ethics and compliance concern has seen as much media coverage as sexual harassment. Frankly speaking, this could just be the tip of the iceberg. The EEOC states that most people who encounter sexual harassment in the workplace (up to 94%) do not report it. With movements like #MeToo empowering people to speak out, companies need all they can to guard their people and their reputation.
Building a workplace culture where employees feel secure and respected means creating and implementing a workplace harassment prevention program that accommodates emerging issues. The political environment, technological developments, and social events can all impact workplace harassment.
Impact of Bribery & Corruption
Report Intake & Management
Multiple ways for employees to report workplace harassment and a secure place for reports of discrimination in the workplace to be gathered and managed.
Awareness
An ongoing awareness effort to reinforce the right tone and keep anti-harassment and anti-discrimination training top of mind.
Policy
Clear communication on your workplace harassment policy and an easy way to review and update it annually.
Management Buy-in
A communication program to middle managers that provides ongoing practical steps they can take to stay connected with their employees, and help prevent harassment before it starts.
Training
Develop visual training that provides employees with a deeper level of understanding on how to spot age, racial or religious discrimination, workplace bulling, abusive conduct and sexual harassment.
Follow Through
A commitment, enforcement and accountability for policy violations as they occur.
Steps You Can Take to Build a Workplace Harassment Prevention Program That Works
STEP 1
Start with a commitment from leaders at all levels of an organization. All leaders (not just compliance and HR) must actively participate in changing the workplace and holding others accountable. Click here for expert advice and resources to own the issue of sexual harassment in your workplace
STEP 2
Step 2
Determine the metrics you will use to measure program success.
STEP 3
Develop the components of your workplace harassment and discrimination prevention program including updating your code of conduct, implementing and distributing harassment and discrimination policies, and providing workplace harassment training.
STEP 4
Make data driven improvements to your program and seek regular program feedback.