Creating a Safe Work Environment: The Crucial Role of POSH Act Training in Employee Well-being

Ms. Kruti Sharma, Corporate Trainer, Leadership Coach, POSH & AML Expert explains the importance of POSH Act training for employee well-being.

Why is POSH Act Training Important?

Sexual harassment at the workplace can happen in many forms.

A woman may be harassed for rejecting a colleague's advances, for the way she dresses, or simply for being in a male-dominated role. Unwanted physical contact, repeated inappropriate jokes, or being singled out during meetings with suggestive comments are all common yet unacceptable behaviours.

These actions create a hostile work environment and deeply impact a woman’s mental and emotional well-being. That is where POSH training comes into the picture.

Read: Healing From The Shock Of Sexual Harassment By A Relative: Unsafe At Home

Take the example of Neha Shah (name changed), a 29-year-old marketing executive at a private firm in Mumbai.

She began receiving inappropriate comments from a senior colleague about her appearance and was constantly messaged outside work hours. Initially, she ignored it, but when the behaviour continued, she felt uncomfortable and anxious at work. Fortunately, the company had conducted POSH training a few months earlier. Because of that, Neha knew exactly whom to approach and how to file a complaint.

Her case was taken seriously, investigated properly, and she got justice without fear of losing her job or being blamed.

Why Is A Safe work Environment a Necessity?

Creating a safe work environment is not just a necessity, but also a foundation for employee well-being and productivity. In India, the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, 2013 ensures that employees, especially women, are protected against any form of sexual harassment in the workplace.

However, what makes a real difference is POSH training, a structured way of educating employees about their rights, responsibilities, and reporting mechanisms. This training plays a big role in preventing incidents, supporting victims, and creating a workplace where everyone feels safe and respected.

This training should be mandatory in the workplace and ensure the safety of the employees.

Why POSH training is important:

• Educates employees about what behaviour is acceptable and what is not
• Encourages victims and bystanders to report inappropriate behaviour confidently without fretting
• Empowers Internal Committees (ICs) to handle complaints sensitively and fairly without any biases
• Prevents reputational and legal risks for companies
• Promotes a culture where respect, dignity, and inclusion are valued and prioritized

POSH training is conducted through interactive sessions where employees learn what sexual harassment means, how to identify and report it, and understand their rights under the POSH Act. Real-life scenarios and role-plays help make the message clear. The process to file complaints and the role of the Internal Committee are also explained.

Special training is given to the Internal Committee ( IC) members to handle cases sensitively and fairly. It is the need of the hour to introduce POSH training in the organization for the safety of the employees without any further delay. This will further help the employee to put the best foot forward and excel at work.

Sexual harassment is not just a personal issue; it affects the whole workplace environment. POSH Act training is a powerful tool that helps prevent harassment and ensures that every employee feels heard, valued, and protected. It is a pivotal step towards building a respectful and inclusive culture where people can work and grow without fear. Every organization, big or small, must take this seriously for the well-being of its employees.