“I’ll make it really easy. Everybody has to do it or should do it to protect their company.”
In episode #123 of Mission to Grow, the Asure podcast that serves as small business owners’ guide to cash, compliance, and the War for Talent, VP of HR Compliance and Learning and Development at Asure Software, Mary Simmons, sits down with host Mike Vannoy to discuss the critical role of Harassment training in fostering a respectful, productive, and legally protected workplace. Mary discusses the importance of culture in aligning employees with organizational values, promoting trust, and maximizing engagement.
Takeaways:
- The Importance of Compliance Training: Many issues in the workplace stem from unintentional but harmful behaviors. Harassment training can preemptively address these and create a safer, more inclusive environment.
- Protecting Your Organization Legally and Financially: Organizations without proactive compliance training risk heavy penalties, mandated ongoing training, and increased vulnerability in lawsuits.
- Building a Culture of Respect and Trust: Beyond compliance, a well-structured HR function drives company success by building a culture rooted in trust, transparency, and respect.
- Practical Advice for Employers: Every organization, regardless of state mandates, should have a clear EEO policy and anti-harassment guidelines in place.
- Customized Training Increases Relevance and Retention: Compliance training should be tailored to fit the unique culture and values of each team. This approach makes it more relatable and memorable, increasing the likelihood of positive behavioral change among employees.
- The Role of Leadership in Shaping Culture:Leaders play a vital role in establishing and modeling behavior standards. When leaders actively engage in compliance and respect initiatives, it sets a powerful example, encouraging employees to follow suit and promoting a cohesive, respectful work environment.