Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Policy draft

 ### Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Policy

#### 1. **Introduction**

[Company Name] is dedicated to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace for all employees, contractors, and visitors. This policy aims to prevent sexual harassment and address any incidents that arise promptly and effectively. We believe in treating everyone with dignity, regardless of their gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

#### 2. **Scope**

This policy applies to:

- All employees, including permanent, temporary, and contractual staff.

- Visitors, clients, vendors, and other third parties interacting with the company.

- All company-related settings, including the workplace, remote work environments, and off-site locations such as conferences and social events.

#### 3. **Definition of Sexual Harassment**

Sexual harassment includes any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

- Submission to such conduct is made a term or condition of employment.

- Submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as a basis for employment decisions.

- Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.

#### 4. **Examples of Sexual Harassment**

Examples include, but are not limited to:

- Unwanted sexual advances or propositions.

- Inappropriate touching, patting, or pinching.

- Sending or displaying sexually explicit materials or messages.

- Making sexual or lewd comments, jokes, or gestures.

- Stalking or following.

- Any behavior of a sexual nature that creates a hostile work environment.

#### 5. **Responsibilities**

- **Employees:** All employees must contribute to maintaining a harassment-free workplace and report any incidents of sexual harassment.

- **Supervisors and Managers:** Supervisors and managers must ensure compliance with this policy, address complaints promptly and confidentially, and prevent retaliation.

- **POSH Committee:** A dedicated POSH committee, comprising members from diverse departments and levels, will handle complaints, conduct investigations, and recommend appropriate actions. The committee will receive regular training on handling complaints and sensitivity.

#### 6. **Complaint Procedure**

- **Filing a Complaint:** Any individual who believes they have been subjected to sexual harassment should file a complaint with their immediate supervisor, the HR department, or directly with the POSH committee.

- **Confidentiality:** All complaints will be handled confidentially to protect the privacy of all parties involved.

- **Investigation:** The POSH committee will promptly investigate all complaints impartially. Both the complainant and the accused will have the opportunity to present their side of the story.

- **Resolution:** Based on the investigation findings, the committee will recommend appropriate disciplinary action, which may include warnings, suspension, termination, or other corrective measures.

- **Appeal:** If any party is dissatisfied with the outcome, they may appeal the decision to senior management or an external authority, as appropriate.

#### 7. **Protection Against Retaliation**

Retaliation against any individual who reports sexual harassment or participates in an investigation is strictly prohibited. Any person found engaging in retaliation will face disciplinary action.

#### 8. **Training and Awareness**

- Regular training sessions will be conducted for all employees to educate them about sexual harassment, their rights, and the complaint process.

- Information about the POSH policy will be made available through the company intranet, employee handbooks, and other communication channels.

#### 9. **Monitoring and Review**

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure its effectiveness and compliance with legal requirements. Feedback from employees will be considered to make necessary improvements.

#### 10. **Contact Information**

For any questions or to file a complaint, employees can contact:

- HR Department: [HR Contact Information]

- POSH Committee: [POSH Committee Contact Information]

- Anonymous Reporting Hotline: [Hotline Information]

#### 11. **Conclusion**

[Company Name] is committed to fostering a workplace where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. By adhering to this policy, we aim to create a safe and productive environment for all.