Are you searching for a cost-effective, simple and engaging learning opportunity that will educate employees on sexual harassment in the workplace? With the exponential rise in the number of sexual harassment allegations making headlines across North America, educating employees to create a safe and healthier workplace has never been more important for companies and organizations of all sizes.

How Prevalent is Sexual Harassment?

According to Angus Reid Institute, more than one-in-four Canadians have been sexually harassed at work (or a work function) and one-in-seven have been subject to unwanted sexual contact at work. Sexual harassment can also lead to higher employee turnover, increased work absences and higher rates of mental health issues and other illnesses.

Failure to keep employees – a company’s greatest asset – safe puts a corporation’s reputation and value at risk. Sexual harassment is not only a social justice matter, but is also an economic prosperity issue. In a recent interview, Canada’s Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour stated: “Wise companies take care of their employees…they foster a better work environment and prosperity.”

According to a 2017 federal government survey of Canadians, about 76 percent of respondents indicated that their workplace has a sexual harassment policy. However, only 43 percent of that group have participated in training on the policy. (See: “Harassment and sexual violence in the workplace – Public consultation What we heard,” Employment and Social Development Canada: 2017). As stated by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, Canada, Patty Hajdu:

“This is a culture problem…what’s needed is awareness, training that certain behaviours are not okay and for broader conversations to take place by both women and men.”

What Steps can a Company Take to Eliminate Sexual Harassment from the Workplace?

Creating a healthy, professional workforce requires leadership. The focus must be on building a culture of respect and zero tolerance for inappropriate workplace behaviour. Mandatory compliance training that serves only to “check a box” will not create the real changes in conduct and attitudes needed. Sexual harassment training is only successful if employees believe in, and work towards, establishing a professional environment where all employees can feel protected and respected.

Why Should an Organization Provide Sexual Harassment Training to its Employees?

In the wake of the countless sexual harassment allegations currently dominating the media, the pressure is on for companies in all sectors to bring about a change. Sexual harassment training mitigates risk and limits corporate liability. It also brings organizations into compliance with employment, human rights and safety legislation. A robust training program also:

  • reduces the risk of sexual harassment occurring in your workplace;
  • fosters a healthier workplace and professional environment for employees to thrive;
  • helps employees to feel valued and protected;
  • establishes a company as a leader in the industry;
  • limits corporate liability in cases of civil litigation by an employee who has been sexually harassed;
  • reduces the risk of receiving heavy fines for companies that do not comply with workplace safety legislation that mandates training on sexual harassment in jurisdictions across North America

 

The Benefits of E-Learning for Sexual Harassment Training:

Designed for higher retention of information, improved employee engagement and overall training success, digital sexual harassment courses use creative animation and storytelling to draw in users and keep them engaged in the messaging. Ryley Learning’s course is convenient, easy to use and designed for mobile – employees can choose when to complete courses, and are not required to complete the course all in one sitting.

The training is broken down into four 10-minute episodes that use descriptive narratives to highlight the subtleties of workplace harassment, going beyond the typical repetitive slide-based lecture most employees so often see in this kind of training to:

  • take employees outside their comfort zone and into the minds of characters to show the psychological effects of sexual harassment;
  • show a broad range of workplace types and scenarios aimed to resonate with learners’ own experiences;
  • change and impact employee behaviour on a large scale.

EXISTING SEXUAL HARASSMENT TRAINING AS WE KNOW IT IS “ FAILING WORKERS.” ISN’T IT TIME TO START LOOKING FOR NEW WAYS TO EDUCATE YOUR WORKFORCE?

 

A New Type of Learning: A Digital Sexual Harassment Course

Did you know digital learning can enhance learning experiences, save time and aid in tracking progress, positively impacting growth and achievement? “Eliminating Sexual Harassment: It’s Everyone’s Business” is an animated digital course anchored by legal expertise that provides interactive learning for employees to help them identify, prevent, and report sexual harassment in the workplace using:

  • fluid animation;
  • storytelling;
  • activities;
  • engaging and entertaining narratives;
  • exercises aimed at higher information retention and learning

 

Educate + meet compliance + create a lasting, positive impact on workplace culture = 40 minutes of your time.

This program is built to meet your needs:

  • Simplicity & Ease: Employees can choose when to engage with and complete the course
  • Meet Legislative Requirements: Achieve compliance through meaningful training
  • Reporting: Real-time analytics to certify that your business has met its legal responsibilities
  • Tracking: Track employee completion rates for easy follow-ups and progress check-ins
  • Interactive Learning: Storytelling, animated video and entertaining content that is built for learning and retention
  • No Hassle Set-Up: Automated emails are sent with log-in credentials and instructions
  • Become a Leader: Set yourself apart from others in the industry as a leader of workplace cultural reform
  • Cost & Time Savings: No added travelling time or event coordinating fees required

The approach to combatting sexual harassment in the workplace must be strong and effective – changing behaviour is no easy feat after all. Through digital learning, companies can take an educational route that challenges the status quo with innovative learning techniques and meaningful messaging that requires learners to think critically and reflect on their own personal experiences. There is no better recipe for change.