The ongoing lawsuits between actors Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have drawn significant attention to workplace issues like harassment and retaliation. For small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs), these events highlight crucial HR lessons that can help protect employees and foster a healthy work environment.
The Importance of Anti-Harassment Policies
First and foremost, businesses must have clear, written anti-harassment policies in place. This includes defining what constitutes unacceptable behavior, such as sexual harassment, and outlining the procedures for reporting such issues.
For SMBs, it’s essential that these policies are easily accessible and communicated effectively to all employees. Regular reminders through team meetings, employee handbooks, and onboarding processes will ensure that employees understand their rights and responsibilities.
Provide Safe and Confidential Reporting Channels
Another vital lesson from the lawsuits is the need for businesses to offer confidential, accessible reporting channels for complaints. Employees should feel empowered to report issues without fear of retaliation or damaging their careers.
Whether it’s an HR representative, an external consultant, or an anonymous reporting tool, having a safe space for employees to voice concerns is critical to creating a trusting and open workplace.
Offer Regular Training on Workplace Conduct
Preventing harassment and retaliation is a continuous process. SMBs should invest in regular training sessions to educate employees on appropriate workplace conduct, boundaries, and how to identify harassment.
This training should also cover how retaliation can manifest and how to protect those who raise concerns. Keeping the training up-to-date and ensuring that it’s part of the company’s ongoing culture will help avoid misunderstandings and legal trouble down the line.
Take Complaints Seriously and Investigate Promptly
When an issue is raised, it’s vital for SMBs to investigate the matter thoroughly and promptly. A swift, unbiased, and confidential investigation shows employees that their concerns are taken seriously and helps avoid potential legal implications.
If a claim is substantiated, corrective actions should be taken. This could range from additional training to more serious disciplinary measures, depending on the severity of the behavior.
Protect Against Retaliation
Retaliation is one of the most damaging behaviors that can arise after a harassment claim is made. Employees must feel confident that they won’t face negative consequences for reporting misconduct.
As an SMB, it’s crucial to clearly communicate to all staff that retaliation will not be tolerated. This can be reinforced through policies, training, and regular conversations about the importance of maintaining a supportive work environment.
Cultivate a Culture of Respect
Finally, fostering a positive and respectful workplace culture is one of the best ways to prevent issues from arising in the first place. Encouraging open communication, setting clear expectations for behavior, and recognizing the importance of inclusivity can help ensure that your workplace is one where all employees feel valued and respected.
Creating a culture that celebrates diversity and individuality, while maintaining professionalism, is key to not only preventing lawsuits but also creating a productive and happy workplace.
Free Sexual Harassment Policy and Form Templates
We’ve created two free templates to help SME’s navigate this important topic. The first is a Sexual Harassment Policy template and the second is a Sexual Harassment and Discrimination Reporting form. You can download the templates here.
The Blake Lively/Justin Baldoni lawsuits may be high-profile, but the lessons they offer are universal. Small to medium-sized businesses have a responsibility to protect their employees and create an environment that is free from harassment and retaliation. By implementing strong policies, providing safe reporting channels, training employees regularly, investigating complaints properly, and fostering a respectful workplace culture, businesses can reduce risks and ensure their teams feel supported and valued.
Need a HR System that will help you stay compliant?
Store all your policies and documents in one place. Have your employees sign key documents with eSignature functionality and set up simple training programs, all within one platform. Book a demo to find out more.