Recent research from Sport England has revealed that some 60% of women worry about the risk of sexual harassment whilst out on a run.

Why is this relevant? What goes on outside of work will colour team members’ perceptions of what happens in work. This is something we have been exploring in our dignity and respect training over the last few months, and it’s landing well.

Take this workplace scenario…

Taking into account the 60% figure cited in the research, this comment, perhaps intended as a compliment is quite likely to be perceived by the recipient through this lens (below) – whether it’s actually happened to them – or is something that’s feared by them.

Our point?

Work is meant to be a psychologically safe environment.

Whilst employers can influence what’s going on in work; outside of work is out of reach, but that doesn’t mean you can’t expect your team members to self-evaluate (and regulate) their own behaviour based on societal trends. You can, and should – but you may need to make the link for them.  Remember that people evaluate their own behaviour by their own intent.

Sexual harassment can happen to anyone:  This particular aspect of sexual harassment focuses on females as recipients of the unwanted conduct, but balance is important, as are true-to-life experiences.  Give enough time to your training to address both points.

For support in tackling sexual harassment in your organisation, you can find more tools on our Dignity and Respect resource hub.

Vista also provide market-leading training for managers in this space, check out how we do it for other clients here, and an example of what a training session could look like for your company here. Drop us a line if you have any questions, we’d love to hear from you.