Sexual harassment in the workplace has caused irreparable harm. Is it possible to stop this habit using online training tools? In this essay, I will discuss the top five tips for developing sexual harassment prevention online training.

How to Create Online Sexual Harassment Prevention Training?

Some activities that some people deem “normal” or “innocent” are damaging to others. Street harassment and unsolicited flirting, for example, can cause psychological, emotional, and even physical harm. Previously, everyone assumed that sexual harassment was only committed by men against women. However, as gender equality expands, everyone is at risk of feeling some form of it. In either case, it is a hindrance to an efficient workplace. It is your organization’s job to put a stop to it through policy and training. Here are five suggestions for developing sexual harassment prevention online training that reduces risks.

5 Insider Tips for Developing Effective Anti-Harassment Programs

1. VR Scenarios with Low Cost and High Impact

Digital VR goggles are an alternative if you’re serious about combating sexual harassment. Each session lasts half an hour and immerses the corporate learner in a 3D reality where they witness a colleague being sexually harassed. The scenario teaches them how to recognize and respond to sexual harassment when it occurs to another person. It also teaches you how to behave when something similar happens to you. The scene is natural and feels genuine.

For example, after being harassed, a corporate learner receives a ‘text’ from a virtual coworker. The text mentions that the victim seemed uneasy and that the attacker may have crossed the line. The corporate learner might then ‘look’ at the victim to gauge their level of discomfort. They are prompted with possible reactions to both the text and the victim. The scenario unfolds based on their answer and how long they wait before reacting. In another scene, a victim describes what happened and seeks guidance.

2. Make It More Nuanced

In terms of the scenarios themselves, avoid the obvious. Off-color statements and physical offenses are rather obvious. However, harassment can be subtler at times, even if the consequences are just as damaging. Introduce fewer offensive scenarios. What if it’s a joke, innuendo, or a ‘compliment’ that crosses sexual lines, for example? What if it’s a consensual relationship that turns vengeful after the breakup? What if it’s a gendered uniform with overtly sexual characteristics? In such instances, determining the ‘correct’ answer is more difficult, so sexual harassment prevention online training becomes even more important.

All of these representations are available through online training simulations, animations, and video demos. You should also provide a safe area for employees to discuss these issues openly. Because this is a contentious topic, a moderator should be present to keep tempers in check. You don’t want the internet discussion to become a new harassment platform by accident. After all, in these settings – particularly online – people frequently attack one another under the pretense of “just being honest.”

3. Online Experiential Learning

Employees are given sympathetic advice. Provide tailored eLearning feedback on how they could have handled it better at their post-scene assessment. They are allowed to retake the online training assessment, and metrics record their responses. This tracks if the sexual harassment prevention online training is effective. Some situations teach employees how to respond when they are victims. It teaches them how to correct and/or escalate sexual harassment instances. This is essential. They must understand how to deal with it when they are terrified.

If their harasser is superior, they may be terrified of being dismissed. If their opponent is at close quarters or they work alone, they may face bodily danger. This type of online training protects people not only at work but in other settings as well. It prepares people to deal with sexual harassment when commuting or in public places. This makes their life safer in general and makes them feel appreciated and respected.

4. Create a list of acceptable behaviors and protocols.

Create infographics and other clear outlines to illustrate acceptable workplace conduct. Additionally, measures should be followed by employees if they notice sexual harassment offenses. For example, they must notify their management or fill out an anonymous online form. If they are unsure whether something is a ‘violation,’ they can use these online training resources as reference aids and knowledge refreshers. However, individuals should always feel free to contact a superior if a coworker’s or client’s conduct makes them uncomfortable. It’s ideal to solicit their feedback and reevaluate your anti-harassment policies regularly to ensure they’re still relevant and up to current. They include, for example, tech-related harassment, such as abusive social media messages or remarks.

5. Get Rid of the Theories and Make It Realistic

Many organizations make the mistake of only investigating hypothetical cases of sexual harassment. For example, highlighting the restrictions in place but failing to drive the lesson home with relatable examples. Employees must understand how sexual harassment prevention compliance training relates to their job responsibilities and professional life. Use personal tales to demonstrate what it’s like to be the victim of offensive behavior. Alternatively, allow managers and supervisors to arrange online training events inside their department to share their knowledge. Of course, they should not name people, but rather highlight past events that help corporate learners relate.

Conclusion

Sexual harassment is a difficult topic to discuss. Victims are usually accused of being “overly sensitive,” although perpetrators may be unaware of the consequences of their acts. ‘They’re just words,’ she says. A victim, on the other hand, may feel just as violated as if they were physically attacked. Use virtual reality to assist your team in identifying harassment. Provide them with online training scenarios and tools that will help them identify the occurrence, console the victim, admonish the harasser, and escalate the matter. Online sexual harassment prevention training should provide perspectives from an attacker, a victim, and a spectator. And don’t limit yourself to the most common crimes. Provide sexual harassment prevention online training in a variety of situations. They’re more subtle and hence potentially more dangerous.

You are not required to create anti-harassment resources in-house. Find the finest outsourced partner or off-the-shelf solution for your compliance online training program using our free online directory.