Cheers Winter 2024 | Page 9

SMART TATICS

Six Tips for Harassment Prevention in the Service Industry

Harassment complaints come to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ( EEOC ) from restaurant industry workers more often than from any other sector , NPR reported in 2021 .
A further study reported on by NPR shared that dependency on tips and a requirement to appear emotionally pleasant on the job work together to increase an employee ' s risk of being sexually harassed . And as many as 90 % of women and 70 % of men in the industry reportedly experience some form of sexual harassment , according to the Harvard Business Review .
Besides the obvious trauma that can accompany sexual harassment , research has shown harassment in the workplace increases employee stress , anxiety , burnout and turnover . What ’ s more , it ’ s the employer ’ s legal obligation to protect their employees from sexual harassment as stated by the EEOC . Here are six tips for harassment prevention in the service industry from Society Insurance , which provides coverage to the hospitality industry .
1 . DEVELOP A POLICY TO ADDRESS WORKPLACE HARASSMENT .
A harassment policy sets the stage as to what behavior is not acceptable in the workplace . Begin your harassment prevention policy with an objective .
This is your opportunity to state the desired outcome of your company-wide policy . An example may be : “ XYZ company is committed to maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of harassment .”
Next , list the guidelines of the policy , including definitions of harassment and the forms that are not tolerated , which may include protected status . It may also be beneficial to add the EEOC Sexual Discrimination Guideline and state law in your policy .
In addition to harassment , you can also add workplace bullying to your policy . Examples of bullying may include : Verbal bullying Physical bullying Gesture bullying
Lastly , you will want to state the procedure an employee should follow if he or she is the victim of harassment or bullying . Be sure to include what disciplinary action may be taken on the harasser or if someone retaliates against an employee for making a harassment / bullying complaint .
2 . ENSURE STAFF RECEIVE HARASSMENT TRAINING .
Training is a key component of prevention . Your training program should consist of an in-depth review of your harassment prevention policy .
Review the forms of harassment that are not tolerated and require staff to watch the EEOC produced video called “ How To Recognize , Address , and Prevent Workplace Harassment .” Conduct training within the first few days of hire and on an annual basis .
3 . DISTRIBUTE THE POLICY .
Distribute the harassment prevention policy upon hire and reintroduce updates during training . Require all employees to acknowledge the policy by signing and dating .
You should also post a copy of the harassment prevention policy in break rooms so that employees are reminded each shift . Documentation will help if your company ever experiences a harassment investigation or claim .
4 . DESIGNATE TWO INDIVIDUALS TO RECEIVE COMPLAINTS
Designate at least two individuals that are trustworthy to receive complaints and report them to the business owner .
For smaller businesses , typically the owner and manager or lead would be designated . List who employees can report a complaint to under the procedure section of your harassment prevention policy .
5 . OBTAIN EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES LIABILITY INSURANCE ( EPLI )
An employer with superior internal controls and procedures can still encounter lawsuits . Every business has an EPL exposure , and even frivolous claims can require a significant investment of your time and money to hire skilled legal counsel to defend your business .
6 . EXPLORE SERVSAFE WORKPLACE
ServSafe Workplace is a comprehensive suite of training programs rooted in the cultural and social issues affecting today ’ s hospitality industry , including harassment . This training program focuses on prevention and management of issues associated with the work and safety of employees and assists in strengthening an establishment ’ s stance against workplace harassment .
ServSafe Workplace has a video on sexual harassment prevention for employees provided by the National Restaurant Association available on YouTube .
The employer harassment prevention course helps owners and managers :
Define sexual harassment and the two forms it can take .
Understand the impact of sexual harassment on victims and businesses .
Recognize conduct that ’ s appropriate , and not appropriate , for work .
Understand when and how to report sexual harassment .
Recognize employer and manager liability for reporting and addressing sexual harassment .
Learn how to create a harassment-free culture in the workplace .
Understand how to investigate sexual harassment claims in the workplace .
Tactical plans can help address and curb harassment . It starts with business owners and managers to create a safe working environment and lay out a clear path should incidents occur . • www . cheersonline . com Winter 2024 • Cheers 9