Three Keys to Prevent Workplace Harassment
Claims of harassment and misconduct come in many forms, from failing to create a culture free of discrimination to claims of wrongful termination and everything in between. Many organizations utilize employment practices liability insurance (EPLI) from Acrisure Agency Partners to help prevent and respond to claims of wrongdoing and rights violations.
Going beyond general liability insurance, EPLI coverage helps defend against and pay claims. In addition to promoting training and compliance to reduce or eliminate issues, EPLI programs help companies manage and transfer employment-related risks.
From Fortune 500 companies to small businesses, no organization is risk-free when it comes to harassment claims. Since the rise of the #MeToo Movement in October 2017, allegations of sexual harassment have dramatically increased. Mere allegations of misconduct end or forever tarnish some organizations; others choose to publicly battle claims and face settlements and judgements reaching into the millions.
According to a 2018 report from the U.S. Equal Opportunity Commission (EEOC), overall claims of workplace discrimination were down from 2017, yet complaints about employment harassment increased more than 13.6 percent.
Whether sexual in nature or not, harassment claims should be avoided at all costs for the wellbeing of employees and a business’ overall health. As such, our top three tips for preventing workplace harassment should be applied to all employers and work environments.
Set Expectations with Clear Policies
Creating clearly written policy documents is the first step in defining expectations for all employees. Your insurance broker can help provide guidance and templates.
If you’re starting from scratch and need direction, contact the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for advice and resources.
Once drafted, consult a lawyer to review policies for compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws.
Include finalized policies in an employee handbook for distribution to all employees.
Establish Comprehensive, Mandatory Training
Once policies are in place, you should conduct thorough and regular training to discuss what constitutes as harassment, reporting procedures, and consequences for offenders.
Training sessions should be mandatory for all employees. Scheduling and attendance expectations should be made in advance along with specifying that there may be discipline for absences.
In addition to reviewing existing policies, sharing examples of harassment, and providing tangible takeaways for later reference, we recommend creating a code of conduct summarizing training content and expectations. These documents can serve as signed acknowledgements from attendees and should be stored in human resource (HR) files.
Operate Transparently and Immediately
Swift response is key if a claim is made. Acting quickly and with transparency (when allowed), HR officials should be available for questions and concerns throughout the claim process.
Unaddressed claims or secretive behavior can create a negative and unhealthy work culture.
Don’t Go It Alone
Acrisure’s Agency Partners are experienced in providing EPLI solutions and resources. We will act as your partner in harassment prevention including access to a compliance team with human resources support through Acrisure. Contact one of our team members to discuss your organization and its risks so we can begin developing comprehensive protection.
Related Content
January 19, 2021
Acrisure Agency Partner Named One of Insurance Journal’s ‘2020 Agents of the Year’
Insurance Journal's report "features 25 agents who define what it means to be a successful independent agent today. These agents are more than top sellers.
January 13, 2021
5 Steps for Year-Round Benefits Engagement
Open enrollment is something you probably only think about a few times a year. For employees, it might be even less often. And that’s unfortunate because that means employees may not be maximizing their benefits. That’s why it’s important to touch on benefits throughout the year—to ensure employees are making the most of them.
January 4, 2021
New COVID-19 Relief Bill: Highlights for Employers
On December 27, 2020, President Trump signed into law the much-anticipated COVID-19 relief bill (the “Bill”), which was approved by Congress a week earlier. The Bill, a follow-up to the March 2020 CARES Act, provides a second round of stimulus dollars and economic relief measures; it also contains several provisions of particular importance to employers.
December 23, 2020
What We Know So Far: Understanding the $900B Stimulus Package
On Monday, Dec. 21, 2020, Congress passed an emergency stimulus package designed to deliver approximately $900 billion in COVID-19-related aid. The bill, which was part of a $1.4 trillion spending package that will keep the government open for the fiscal year, has been sent to President Donald Trump, and he is expected to sign it into law.
December 8, 2020
Acrisure Unveils New Tech-Enabled Brand
Acrisure, one of the world’s top-10 insurance brokers, today unveiled its new brand identity which underlines its unique combination of financial strength, industry expertise and global distribution power with the integration and deployment of best-in-class artificial intelligence and technology.
December 2, 2020
Benefits Update: December 2020
The Departments of Labor (DOL), Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Treasury (Departments) issued a final rule that imposes new transparency requirements on group health plans and health insurers in the individual and group markets.
November 19, 2020
Study Finds That Workers’ Compensation Mega Claims Are on the Rise
While any workers’ compensation claims can result in costly ramifications for your organization, one category of claim in particular—known as a “mega claim”—has the potential to carry significant consequences.
November 11, 2020
Coverage of COVID-19 Vaccines: Agencies Issue Interim Final Regulations
As part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) signed into law in March 2020, most group health plans are required to provide no-cost coverage for COVID-19 preventive services, including vaccinations.
November 3, 2020
Acrisure Perspective: 6+ Million Households & Property Owners Could Be Underestimating Their Flood Risk
According to the insurance professionals at Acrisure’s Agency Partners, we believe that this disparity points to a worrisome trend: more than 6 million households and property owners could be underestimating or unaware of the extent of their flood risks.
October 27, 2020
Success Tips: Performance Reviews With Remote Employees
Performance reviews are traditionally conducted in-person, on a recurring basis. But, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, most businesses have at least some employees working remotely.