Understand About POSH Policy
A POSH Policy (Prevention of Sexual Harassment Policy) is a company official document that explains unacceptable behaviour at workplace and defines how sexual harassment complaints will be handled. It also describes the process employees can follow if they experience any sexual harassment at work.
Under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, every organization with 10 or more employees in India must have a POSH policy. The purpose of this policy is to prevent and address workplace sexual harassment and ensure a safe and respectful work environment.
At SPJ Advocates & Co., we are providing specialized services in POSH policy drafting, policy review, compliance guidance, and modification for organizations.
Under the POSH Act, employers must ensure that the workplace is free from sexual harassment and there is a proper system for handling complaints. Organizations that fail to comply with POSH requirements may face serious consequences, including legal penalties, reputational damage, loss of employee confidence, and increased workplace conflicts that can affect productivity and organizational culture.
A professionally drafted POSH policy helps organizations:
When someone in the workplace faces harassment, they usually turn to the company’s POSH policy first, not the law. What they find in that policy shapes everything that happens next. That is why a POSH policy must be built on six essential elements. If even one is missing, whether it is the IC structure, the complaint process, or protection against retaliation, the policy may fail when employee need it most. The key elements of a strong POSH policy include:
Definition of Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment includes unwelcome physical contact, requests for sexual favors, sexually coloured remarks, showing pornography, or any verbal or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature.
Scope of the Policy
The policy should clearly explain who is covered at the workplace. It covers all employees, interns, consultants, vendors, clients, and visitors.
Complaint Filing Procedure
The policy must provide a clear step-by-step process for filing complaints and conducting inquiries.
Investigation and Resolution
Procedures must ensure fairness, confidentiality, and timely resolution.
Protection against Retaliation
Employees who report harassment must be protected from retaliation or discrimination.
At SPJ Advocates, we believe that a strong POSH policy is the foundation of a safe, respectful, and legally compliant workplace. We specialize in developing practical and legally sound POSH policies customized to the unique needs of each organization. We work closely with our clients to develop policies that are not only POSH compliant but also easy to understand and effective in promoting respectable workplace culture.
With offices in Gurgaon, Noida, Delhi NCR, we assist corporate, startups, manufacturing sectors, educational institutions, NGOs, and professional organizations, in building compliant POSH frameworks.
