POSH in India: Silence isn’t safety at work says HR veteran Datta
In recent years, the topic of workplace harassment in India has gained significant attention, with a staggering 620% rise in complaints reported under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act in the last decade. However, despite this increased awareness, unfortunately, most cases of harassment remain unreported. In an exclusive interview with Ascendants, HR veteran Sumer Dutta shed light on the importance of creating a safe and trustworthy work environment, where employees feel empowered to speak up without fear of reprisal.
Dutta, a seasoned HR professional with over two decades of experience, emphasized that compliance with the POSH Act is not enough to ensure a safe workplace. “Just having a policy in place doesn’t guarantee a harassment-free environment,” he said. “In fact, in many cases, the fear of being ostracized or losing one’s job can lead to silence, which is not safety at all.”
The statistics are alarming. According to a recent report, 70% of Indian employees have experienced some form of workplace harassment, yet only 10% of incidents are reported. This suggests that a significant majority of victims are silently suffering, and it is crucial to understand the root causes of this phenomenon.
Dutta attributed the silence to the broken workplace culture and fear of retaliation. “When employees feel like they will be judged, shamed, or ridiculed, they are less likely to come forward and report incidents,” he explained. “The culture of fear and intimidation is a significant obstacle to creating a safe and inclusive work environment.”
He also stressed the importance of fostering trust between employees, management, and HR. “Trust is the foundation of a healthy workplace,” Dutta said. “When employees trust their organization, they are more likely to speak up and report incidents, knowing that their concerns will be taken seriously and addressed promptly.”
Another critical aspect, according to Dutta, is accountability. “Accountability is key to creating a safe and respectful workplace,” he emphasized. “Managers and supervisors must be held accountable for creating a culture of respect and inclusivity, and employees must be empowered to report incidents without fear of retaliation.”
To address the issue of unreported cases, Dutta recommended creating informal channels where employees feel comfortable reporting incidents. “Formal channels like the POSH committee are essential, but they can be intimidating for some employees,” he said. “Informal channels, such as anonymous reporting mechanisms or dedicated hotlines, can provide an alternative for those who may not feel comfortable reporting through formal channels.”
Dutta also highlighted the need for organizations to take proactive steps to prevent harassment. “Prevention is better than cure,” he said. “Organizations must invest in creating a culture of respect, inclusivity, and empathy, and provide training and resources to employees to recognize and report incidents.”
In conclusion, while the POSH Act is a crucial step towards creating a safer workplace, it is not a silver bullet. Compliance on paper is not enough; real progress requires fostering trust, accountability, and informal channels where employees feel safe to speak up without risking their careers. As Dutta so aptly put it, “Silence isn’t safety at work.”
Source:
https://ascendants.in/industry_events/posh-india-workplace-harassment-silence/
