Sexual Harassment at Workplace Course

Introduction

Sexual harassment at the workplace is a pervasive issue that undermines the safety, dignity, and productivity of employees. It can occur in any organizational setting and may take many forms verbal, physical, visual, or digital. This course is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of what constitutes sexual harassment, its legal implications, and the psychological and organizational impact it has on individuals and institutions. By fostering awareness and promoting respectful workplace culture, the course aims to help prevent such misconduct and ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all.

Participants will explore the different types of sexual harassment, including quid pro quo and hostile work environment scenarios, and learn how to identify, address, and report inappropriate behavior. The course also covers the dynamics of power, gender, and organizational culture that often contribute to harassment and silence victims. Case studies, real-world examples, and interactive discussions will be used to deepen understanding and encourage critical thinking around prevention and response strategies.

In addition to legal frameworks and policies at both national and international levels, the training will highlight organizational responsibilities in creating safe work environments. Participants will learn how to design and implement workplace policies, set up reporting mechanisms, and establish effective grievance redress systems. Human resource professionals, managers, and employees will all benefit from gaining the skills to intervene appropriately and support affected individuals.

Ultimately, this course empowers participants to become proactive advocates for workplace integrity, safety, and equality. By the end of the training, participants will not only be more aware of their rights and responsibilities but will also be equipped to contribute meaningfully to a respectful and harassment-free workplace culture.

Duration

5 days

Who should Attend?

This course is ideal for:

·       Human Resource Managers and Officers responsible for implementing workplace policies, managing employee relations, and handling complaints

·       Supervisors and Team Leaders who oversee staff and play a key role in setting the tone for workplace behavior

·       Compliance Officers and Legal Advisors involved in policy formulation, legal compliance, and internal investigations

·       Members of Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion Committees working to promote equity and prevent discrimination

·       Employees at all levels to increase awareness of their rights and responsibilities and to encourage reporting and accountability

·       Trade Union Representatives and Workers’ Rights Advocates engaged in protecting employee welfare and safety

·       Managers and Executives responsible for strategic decision-making and organizational culture

Course Objectives

By the end of this course the learners should be able to:

·       Understand the definition, forms, and dynamics of sexual harassment in the workplace

·       Recognize behaviors that constitute harassment and differentiate them from acceptable workplace conduct

·       Gain knowledge of national and international legal frameworks and organizational policies related to sexual harassment

·       Identify the psychological, emotional, and professional impacts of harassment on victims and the workplace culture

·       Learn appropriate procedures for reporting, documenting, and responding to incidents of sexual harassment

·       Develop practical skills to intervene as a bystander and support affected individuals

·       Understand the roles and responsibilities of employers, managers, and employees in preventing and addressing harassment

·       Design and implement effective workplace policies, prevention strategies, and awareness programs

·       Promote a respectful and inclusive workplace culture that values dignity, equity, and accountability

·       Strengthen internal mechanisms for grievance redress, investigation, and resolution of harassment cases

Course Outline

Module 1: Understanding Sexual Harassment in the Modern Workplace

• Definition and types of sexual harassment: Including quid pro quo, hostile work environment, gender-based harassment, and online/remote harassment
• Prevalence and impact: Effects on individual wellbeing, team dynamics, retention, and organizational reputation
• Root causes: Exploring power imbalances, toxic cultures, gender norms, and systemic inequalities
• Cultural sensitivity: Understanding cultural and regional variations in perceptions and responses to harassment

Module 2: Legal and Organizational Frameworks

• National and international legal standards: Labor laws, ILO Convention 190, CEDAW, and workplace rights
• Institutional policies and HR protocols: Codes of conduct, internal grievance procedures, zero-tolerance policies
• Confidentiality, whistleblower protections, and due process: Ensuring trust, fairness, and transparency
• Role of leadership and governance: Executive and board-level accountability

Module 3: Identifying Harassment Across Contexts

• Recognizing verbal, non-verbal, physical, and digital harassment
• Red flags and behavioral patterns: Subtle forms of manipulation, grooming, or exclusion
• Assessing one’s behavior and promoting peer accountability
• Harassment in remote and hybrid work environments: Virtual meetings, digital messaging, and privacy concerns

Module 4: Prevention and Respect-Centered Workplace Culture

• Building a culture of dignity and respect: Inclusive language, policies, and daily practices
• Unconscious bias, discrimination, and intersectionality: Addressing biases related to gender, race, sexuality, age, and disability
• Effective bystander intervention techniques: Tools and role-play for real-world scenarios
• Microaggressions and power plays: Understanding everyday behaviors that contribute to hostile environments

Module 5: Safe Reporting and Empathetic Response Mechanisms

• Designing accessible and confidential reporting channels: Hotlines, digital platforms, anonymous options
• Support systems for survivors: Psychological support, employee assistance programs (EAPs), and peer networks
• Responding with empathy and integrity: Training managers and HR to handle disclosures respectfully
• Protection against retaliation: Ensuring safety and fair treatment throughout the process

Module 6: Conducting Investigations and Ensuring Fairness

• Structured and impartial investigation processes: Timelines, interviews, documentation, evidence gathering
• Maintaining confidentiality, due process, and procedural fairness
• Resolution outcomes and disciplinary measures
• Restorative approaches and organizational healing: Alternative methods to promote accountability and closure

Module 7: Policy Review, Monitoring, and Compliance

• Measuring policy effectiveness and organizational climate
• Data collection, feedback loops, and incident trend analysis
• Updating policies based on emerging trends and case lessons
• Embedding harassment prevention into onboarding, performance reviews, and compliance audits

Module 8: Addressing Online and Tech-Enabled Harassment

• Cyber harassment and social media misconduct: Sexting, stalking, and digital manipulation
• Harassment via work collaboration tools (e.g., Zoom, Slack, Email)
• Digital evidence collection and protection
• Employer responsibility in the digital workplace

Module 9: Trauma-Informed and Survivor-Centered Approaches

• Understanding trauma responses: Emotional, cognitive, and behavioral reactions
• Creating safe spaces for disclosure and recovery
• Long-term support and rehabilitation services
• Preventing secondary trauma for HR and investigative staff

Module 10: Inclusive Leadership and Sustained Cultural Change

• Equipping leaders to model ethical behavior and inclusion
• Promoting allyship and gender equity in leadership roles
• Championing inclusion through employee resource groups and DEI initiatives
• Strategic planning for organizational culture change

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: training@upskilldevelopment.com Tel: +254 721 331 808

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Upskill Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Upskill certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: training@upskilldevelopment.com, +254 721 331 808

Terms of Payment

Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties payment of the course fee should be done 3 working days before commencement of the training so as to enable us to prepare better.