Over the past year I’ve had the privilege of working with organizations in various sectors on creating a respectful, harassment-free work environment. What I observed again and again is this: when it comes to dealing with harassment in all its forms (especially its subtler and more `slippery’ forms) it is crucial that the organization itself have a clear `voice’ about who it is and what is stands for.
The clearer the organization is about what it stands for vis-Ã -vis protecting the dignity of its people, the more its managers and employees feel supported and the more easily they can find their own personal voice in responding to harassment. If the organization is unclear, managers are left to figure things out on their own and, ultimately, they either take no action, or, if they do, they are often ineffective.
So, what does your organization stand for? Has it found its voice yet?