Sexual harassment: A costly affair for employers

Abstract

Purpose

Highlights the risks faced by Australian employers as a result of sexual harassment by employees and contractors.

Design/methodology/approach

Considers the types of approach that are necessary to prevent sexual harassment by employees and contractors in the workplace and events outside the workplace sanctioned by employers.

Findings

Explains that employers should ensure that they have robust policies that comply with Australian law and should provide adequate training to protect themselves against costly compensation claims.

Practical implications

Guides employers in preventing loss arising from claims of sexual harassment from employees.

Social implications

Draws attention to the risks associated with conflict of interest at work.

Originality/value

Raises the issue of organizational preparedness to undertake the challenges potentially posed by employees and contractors who may consider sexual harassment as acceptable in the workplace.

Citation

Chelliah, J. (2015), "Sexual harassment: A costly affair for employers", Human Resource Management International Digest, Vol. 23 No. 3, pp. 37-38. https://doi.org/10.1108/HRMID-03-2015-0042