As a small business owner with limited resources, I want to create a safe and respectful work environment. What are some practical steps I can take to foster a culture of respect and address workplace safety concerns, even with budgetary constraints?
Preventing Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace is a mandatory compliance for all
Organizations, whether Public, Private, Govt. or NGOs having more than 10 employees. The
Following steps can be taken to create a Safe and Secure work environment:
1. Prepare and implement a Zero Tolerant POSH Policy in your Organization regarding
workplace behavior, harassment prevention, and safety. Make certain that all employees
are aware of these policies and understand what is expected of them.
2. Create a reporting system that encourages employees to report harassment incidents. As
per the POSH Act, 2013, every workplace that has a minimum of 10 employees shall
mandatorily set up an Internal Committee (IC). Where an employer or organization has
multiple locations, with each location having 10 or more personnel, it is mandatory to set
up an IC in each of such location.
The IC’s key mandate is to oversee the implementation of the organization’s POSH policy by
ensuring a work environment free of sexual harassment and providing an effective redressal
mechanism for any complaints of sexual harassment against women.
CONSTITUTION OF IC:
Every employer of a workplace shall by an order in writing, constitute a Committee to be known
as Internal Committee (IC). A minimum of 4 members is required to constitute an IC with
women constituting at least half of the IC’s members (50% should be women). The IC shall
consist of the following members to be nominated by the employer, namely –
a. The IC shall comprise of a Senior level woman employee as the Chairperson or
Presiding Officer. In case a senior woman employee is not available, the presiding
officer shall be nominated from other offices or administrative units of the
workplace.
b. A minimum of two members from amongst employees preferably committed to
the cause of women, or who have had experience in social work or have legal
knowledge.
c. One External Member from a NGO or Association committed to the cause of
women or a Person familiar with issues relating to sexual harassment.
TERM OF IC:
The term of IC members shall hold office for such period not exceeding three years from the date
of their nomination.
3. Organize regular workplace harassment prevention, diversity and inclusion, and
respectful communication training sessions. You can conduct these sessions using online
resources, free webinars, or by inviting local experts.
4. Prepare and submit Annual reports. It is mandatory for the IC to prepare, in each calendar
year, an annual report and submit it to the employer and the local labor and District
Officer. The report should include the Number of complaints of sexual harassment
received in the year; Number of complaints disposed of during the year; Number of cases
pending for more than 90 days, Nature of action taken by the employer; and, Number of
workshops or awareness programs conducted against sexual harassment.
5. Register your organization on the Telangana SHE-BOX Website and upload details of IC
and Annual Reports.
– Dr. Valathai Deepa Nair
Ms. Mahalakshmi is certified POSH Trainer and an independent Social Sector professional working for over two decades in the area of women and children. She brings with her extensive experience in conducting POSH Training, POSH Enquiry Support and related areas.
Mr. Rakesh is a Financial Sector Professional who also runs a Social Enterprise by the name of SowGood, an organization set up with the primary purpose of Women Safety.
He brings along over a decade of experience in POSH Training for Employees and IC members.
Mr. Kishore is a Trainer with an engineering background. He is a certified POSH trainer with experience in conducting numerous POSH awareness sessions for various industry sectors.
Ms. Isha did Law from the Government Law College, Mumbai. She has over 11 years of experience in various areas including civil law, criminal laws, domestic violence cases, family and matrimonial cases, etc. She has experience of being a contributing member in ICs of several organizations and also in supporting enquiries under POSH.
Ms. Nivedita Agarwal has over 17+ years of multi-dimensional corporate experience.
Her experience includes POSH policy formulation, conducting awareness campaigns and strengthening of POSH committee.
Ms. Surekha Adimulam carries with her 23 years’ of varied experience, including Training & Development, Advertising & Marketing etc,
Her experience includes supporting creation and strengthening of Internal Committees in organizations.
She is also closely associated with Tharuni NGO in Training Rural Girls as well.
