What is POSH? Know why every working person should know about it

Sexual harassment cases in the workplace are quite common across the world. It certainly is not acceptable. Many times men and women simply do not know that they are being sexually harassed or exploited and they can get legal support for opposing. From cracking a personal joke, sending a pass, or trying to touch without any reason, there are umpteen ways a person can be harassed.

That is why every working person must know about POSH- Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013. According to the Act, the organization as well as the employer should take appropriate measures to prevent the occurrence of sexual harassment incidents at the workplace.

The POSH Act has also certain rules laid down for the organizations which have to be compulsorily followed. Spreading awareness about POSH is the responsibility of the organization so that the employees are well aware of their responsibilities, roles, rights, and limitations. The Act makes it compulsory for every organization to conduct such training at least twice every year.

Why should every working person know about it?

Not just women, but even men are sexually exploited in the workplace. There are many types of sexual harassment that are simply passed on just as normal incidents. However, any statement or act that affects the dignity, credibility, and respect of a person comes under sexual harassment. Body shaming, name-calling, belittling, threatening, abusing, and staring, are just common examples of sexual harassment.

That is why every working person should clearly know where he/she must take a stand. It is also to the benefit of organizations to hold such training sessions because harassment can decrease the productivity of the victim which ultimately affects the productivity of the organization.

On the other hand, holding such a training session indicates that the organization is concerned about the overall welfare of its employees and thus it increases the credibility of the employers in the eyes of the employees.