POSH Compliance Is More Than a Committee

Many organisations believe they are POSH-compliant because they have formed an Internal Committee. The committee matters. But the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 asks for much more than a name on a notice board.

Constitute the committee correctly. Every workplace with ten or more employees must have an Internal Committee. It must be headed by a senior woman employee, at least half its members must be women, and it must include an external member familiar with issues of sexual harassment. A committee that does not meet these requirements may not be validly constituted, and its decisions can be challenged.

Make people aware. The law places a duty on employers to organise awareness programmes for employees and orientation for committee members. Employees should know what sexual harassment is, how to raise a complaint, and that they will be protected from retaliation.

Equip the committee. Committee members conduct inquiries with real consequences for real people. They need training in procedure, natural justice, confidentiality and fair report-writing.

Report every year. The Internal Committee must prepare an annual report, and the employer must submit it to the District Officer. Companies must also make a POSH disclosure in their Board's report.

Build a culture, not a file. The purpose of the law is prevention. Compliance works best when leadership treats respect and dignity at work as everyday values, not as a box to tick once a year.

Non-compliance carries penalties under the Act. More importantly, it carries a cost in trust, morale and reputation.

POSHCOP, the POSH Compliance Operating Platform of Shaurya4equality Pvt Ltd, helps institutions with External IC membership, employee awareness, IC orientation, policy and process support, compliance reviews, investigations and annual returns.

Unsure where your organisation stands? [Contact S4E LIFE] for a conversation.

This article is general information, not legal advice.