Building a working environment free from harassment and sexual harassment: What is harassment and what impact does it have on the workplace?
About the author
Lisa Bell is the founder of Tell Jane, a leading global HR Consultancy and training partner that specialises in preventing sexual harassment, discrimination and bullying in the workplace. Tell Jane also provides powerful change training when incidents do occur and helps build better cultures and challenges toxic behaviour in the workplace.
Brightmine editor
Bar Huberman, a former solicitor, is content manager for the HR & Compliance Centre HR strategy and practice team, having developed strategic guidance for HR professionals since 2009.
Overview
This series of Leading practice guides looks at how to create a working environment free from all forms of harassment and why HR and the organisations they represent need to prioritise this issue.
In this first guide we explore what harassment and sexual harassment is, employers' legal obligations around harassment, including the duty to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment, and the critical nature of addressing this issue for HR and their organisations.
Other guides in the series:
- Building a working environment free from harassment and sexual harassment: Practical steps to creating a harassment-free environment
- Building a working environment free from harassment and sexual harassment: Reporting procedures
- Building a working environment free from harassment and sexual harassment: Handling complaints effectively
While this series of guides does not provide specific guidance on the proposed changes to the law on harassment in the Employment Rights Bill, expected to come into force in 2026, following the steps outlined will help employers to prepare for compliance with the proposed changes. For more information on the Employment Rights Bill, see the Future developments section of our Employment law guide on Harassment.
