Welcome to the August edition of HR Hot Topics. I was struck recently by an article that highlighted the significantly different beliefs between men and women as to what constitutes sexual harassment. The timing of this article corresponded with several client consulting projects/calls around this same issue. It got me thinking that as more and more staff are returning to the workplace and to work-related events, now would be a good time to review (and enhance) your code of conduct policies and train your team on what appropriateness in your workplace looks like…and what to do if someone feels like these boundaries are being crossed. Be sure to communicate your expectations proactively through training, team meetings and written policies. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
