Quick Guide: Essentials for a Safe and Respectful Workplace

This page offers a quick and easy summary of the key steps to create a safe, inclusive, and respectful work environment in hospitality. Remember, taking action against sexual harassment isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s the law, and it’s good for business.

Make It Clear: Zero Tolerance for Sexual Harassment

Make it clear that inappropriate behavior is unacceptable for both staff and customers. Display reminders throughout your workplace to reinforce this policy.

Make It Clear: Include in Shift Briefings

Make it clear to your team that every shift briefing should include a commitment to supporting each other and maintaining a harassment-free workplace.
Encourage employees to back each other up and call out bad behavior when they see it.

Make It Clear: Lead by Example

Make it clear that managers and leaders must model respectful behavior and act immediately on any issues.
What you allow is what you accept—address problems right away.

Make It Clear: Include in Staff Contracts

Make it clear in every employee’s contract that sexual harassment is a serious disciplinary issue with zero tolerance. Ensure that everyone knows the zero tolerance policies and reporting procedures

Make It Clear: Address Issues Swiftly

Make it clear that any reports of harassment will be handled quickly, with support for all involved.
Be transparent about your actions and maintain confidentiality throughout.

Make It Clear: Know Who Can Help

Make it clear that staff know who to turn to for help if harassment occurs, with access to support services.

Make It Clear: Encourage Open Communication

Make it clear that your workplace encourages open, honest communication, and that reporting harassment is safe and supported.
Offer multiple reporting methods, including anonymous options.

Make It Clear: Train Your Team

Make it clear that regular training is essential to prevent harassment, ensuring everyone knows how to recognise and report inappropriate behavior.

Make It Clear: Protect Staff with Customer Interaction

Make it clear that your staff are empowered to handle difficult situations with customers and that management will fully support them.
Teach staff how to professionally set boundaries with patrons.

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