As part of Parichay series—a public recorded initiative aimed was organised by GreytHR featuring CA Ruchika Bhagat as the guest speaker, focusing on the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) Act, 2013. The interactive session, conducted in a Q&A format, served as an educational and awareness-building platform for organisations and individuals seeking to strengthen workplace safety and compliance.
The discussion began with an overview of the inception and intent behind the PoSH Act, emphasising its role in creating safer, more respectful workplaces for all employees. One of the key highlights was the definition of sexual harassment, helping attendees understand both overt and subtle forms of misconduct that may often go unnoticed. A thought-provoking segment focused on “Impact vs. Intent”, underlining that the effect of a behavior on the victim takes precedence over the intention behind it.
The session also delved into the importance of psychological safety in fostering an open work culture where individuals feel secure to report inappropriate behavior without any fear of retaliation. Participants were guided on how to identify patterns of sexual harassment, whether through repeated actions or subtle cues.
A comprehensive explanation of the Internal Committee (IC) was provided, including its constitution, mandatory responsibilities under the PoSH Act and standard operating procedures. The role of the External Member (EM) on the IC was highlighted as critical for ensuring objectivity and legal adherence. The session also outlined the legal obligations of employers, including mandatory training, maintaining documentation related to PoSH cases and periodic submitting an annual report.
Additional topics discussed included the penalties for non-compliance, the applicability of the Act in virtual work environments, and whether companies can adopt a gender-neutral PoSH policy. The speaker affirmed that while the law is currently gender-specific, organisations are increasingly adopting inclusive practices.
Interactive polls were conducted, engaging the audience with questions such as, “Is your organisation PoSH compliant?” and “What’s the biggest challenge your organisation faces in implementing PoSH effectively?” These polls revealed that many organisations struggle with awareness, consistent training, and employee sensitisation.
Overall, the session was rich with practical insights, offering both legal knowledge and cultural guidance on implementing PoSH effectively. It emphasised the importance of not just compliance, but cultivating a workplace environment where dignity and respect are non-negotiable.