Sexual harassment in the workplace remains a critical issue, affecting employees across various industries.
Recent data reveals a concerning trend: an increase in sexual harassment complaints within India’s corporate landscape. This surge underscores both heightened awareness and the urgent need for improved reporting mechanisms.
Sexual Harassment Complaints at Work in India: A 40.4% Increase
In the fiscal year 2023-24 (FY24), sexual harassment complaints surged by 40.4% compared to the previous year (FY23). These complaints were reported across some of India’s largest companies, signaling a shift in corporate culture toward greater transparency and employee empowerment. Let’s understand the key findings:
Total Complaints: A total of 932 sexual harassment complaints were reported among the BSE 30 companies in FY24, up from 664 in FY23.
Sectors Affected: The banking and technology sectors witnessed the most significant rise in complaints. These industries, known for their younger workforce and higher female representation, accounted for the majority of the reported cases.
Awareness and Reporting: Experts attribute this increase to heightened awareness among women professionals regarding the Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (PoSH) law. Additionally, companies are actively encouraging employees to report incidents, no matter how seemingly minor.
“This indicates increased awareness among employees which is leading to real change as more women are coming forward and lodging complaints,” said Vishal Kedia, PoSH expert, Complykaro.
Sexual Harassment Complaints: Spotlight on Companies
Several prominent companies experienced notable increases in sexual harassment complaints:
ICICI Bank: The bank reported 133 cases in FY24, a substantial rise from 43 in FY23. Their proactive approach to addressing complaints and fostering a culture of fearlessness likely contributed to this surge.
TCS (Tata Consultancy Services): TCS recorded 110 cases in FY24, up from 49 in FY23. As one of India’s largest IT services firms, TCS’s commitment to addressing workplace harassment is evident in these numbers.
Infosys: Infosys reported 98 cases in FY24, compared to 78 in FY23. Their efforts to create a safe reporting environment have led to more women coming forward.
Empowering Change
The increase in reported cases is both a cause for concern and a sign of progress. It reflects a growing willingness among employees to break the silence and seek justice. However, there’s still work to be done:
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Education and Training: Companies must continue educating employees about their rights and responsibilities under PoSH. Regular training sessions can empower individuals to recognize and report harassment.
Supportive Ecosystems: Organizations should foster an environment where victims feel safe and supported when reporting incidents. This includes robust internal committees, confidential helplines, and zero tolerance for retaliation.
Leadership Commitment: Senior leadership must champion anti-harassment initiatives. Their commitment sets the tone for the entire organization.
Smita Shetty Kapoor, CEO of Kelp, a PoSH advisory firm, said: “Harassment cases were there earlier too but what has changed is the increase in awareness among women as well as the companies, which is leading to more such cases being reported.”
Smita added, “The increase in physical presence in office post pandemic is leading to the lines being breached sometimes. The Gen Z and millennial are more aware and more open to reporting such cases.”
Concluding Thoughts
As India grapples with this rising tide of sexual harassment complaints, it’s crucial that companies remain vigilant.
By prioritizing prevention, education, and support, we can create workplaces where every employee feels respected, secure, and empowered.
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