The Worker Protection Act Trap
In our day-to-day work, we see firsthand how hundreds of organisations are tackling their harassment prevention duties. From these close encounters, one clear danger stands out—many organisations are falling into a trap.
Are you at risk of falling into it too?
When it comes to progressing under the Worker Protection Act, there are four common approaches organisations take:
Doing Nothing
We wish you the best of luck! But let’s be real: unless you have clear insights proving you don’t have a problem, you’re playing with fire. Remember, silence doesn’t mean your culture is golden.
The Hack
This is where you subtly tweak what’s already in place—maybe dust off an old policy, rely on training from years ago, or implement a whistleblowing tool. Unfortunately, this patchwork approach won’t cut it. The duty requires meaningful action, not minor rearrangements.
The All-In!
Retaining a pricey law firm for a belt-and-braces approach can feel reassuring, but it has downsides: high costs and solutions that are often more theoretical than practical. You need to act, not just know what to do.
Phased Action (Our Favourite!)
This is the smart, sustainable route. Take iterative steps, make steady progress, and learn as you go. Focus on foundational elements to save money and build momentum. Here’s a simple starting point:
Risk Assessment: Use a template (we can provide one!) to kick things off.
Leadership Training: Educate your leaders on the basics—they set the tone for the entire organisation.
Workforce Training or E-Learning: Broaden training as budget allows.
Reporting Tools: Get systems in place to capture early insights, show your evidence, and foster safer, more inclusive cultures.
Conclusion:
Organisations don’t have to fall into the trap. By taking a phased approach, you can meet your obligations under the Worker Protection Act without breaking the bank or overcomplicating things. At the same time, you'll be fostering a workplace that is safer, more inclusive, and ultimately more successful.
Where does your organisation stand—and how can we help you move forward?