Nearly a quarter of adults experiencing sexual harassment report that it occurs in the workplace. Lorri Weaving, CEO at SARSAS (Somerset and Avon Rape and Sexual Abuse Support) outlines how effective sexual harassment training can support employees across the West of England.
Nadia loved her job. She was good at it, respected by her colleagues and had ambitions to progress in her career. But over time, inappropriate comments from a colleague became a regular occurrence. She laughed them off at first, not wanting to make a fuss. When the behaviour continued and escalated into sexual touching, she started avoiding meetings, second-guessing herself and dreading coming into work. Eventually, she left the organisation altogether.
Everyone deserves to work in an environment where they feel safe, respected and valued yet for many women, Nadia’s experience will feel all too familiar. Recent research from the TUC found that 58% of women have experienced harassment, bullying or verbal abuse at work, rising to 62% among women aged 25 to 34[i].
A 2020 government survey[ii] found that disabled women are almost twice as likely to have experienced sexual assault at work in the past year, compared to non-disabled women and global majority employees report experiencing daily sexual harassment at a 5% higher rate in comparison to their white colleagues.
Even more alarmingly, a 2025 Unite survey of 330,000 women members revealed that a quarter (25%) had been sexually assaulted while at work, travelling to work or from a colleague.[iii]
These findings are a stark reminder of the reality of so many women’s lives – coping with harassment, bullying, inappropriate behaviour and even sexual assault while simply trying to do their jobs and progress in their careers. For those who have already experienced domestic abuse or sexual violence, workplace harassment can compound existing trauma; sometimes forcing people to leave jobs, careers or the workforce altogether.
For employers across the West of England, preventing sexual harassment is a legal responsibility. It is also an opportunity to build stronger, more inclusive workplaces where everyone can thrive. Effective training can play an important role in helping organisations meet their responsibilities and create positive workplace cultures.
1. It helps create safer workplaces
Training helps employees understand what sexual harassment is, how it can show up in workplace settings, and why certain behaviours can cause harm. It gives staff the confidence to recognise inappropriate conduct and understand the role they can play in creating a respectful working environment.
When organisations are proactive about prevention, employees are more likely to feel safe, valued and supported at work.
2. It supports employers to meet their legal responsibilities
The Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023, which came into force in October 2024, introduced a legal duty on employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. Meanwhile, the Government's Employment Rights Bill requirements for employers to take all reasonable steps to prevent harassment and protect staff from harassment by third parties came into effect on 30th October 2026. Effective training is one of the practical measures employers can take as part of a wider approach to meeting these responsibilities and creating safer workplaces
Providing clear guidance to staff and managers helps ensure everyone understands expectations, reporting procedures and how concerns will be handled if they arise.
3. It strengthens workplace culture
Workplace culture is shaped by everyday behaviours. Sexual harassment training encourages open conversations about boundaries, respect and inclusion, helping organisations set clear standards for how people treat one another.
A positive workplace culture does more than reduce risk. It can improve morale and contribute to a more engaged workforce. It also helps organisations meet their legal duties and take reasonable steps to prevent harassment. Failure to do so can result in employment tribunal claims, significant legal costs, compensation payments, damaged staff trust and long-lasting reputational damage.
4. It gives managers the confidence to respond appropriately
Managers are often the first people employees turn to when raising concerns about harassment or inappropriate behaviour in the workplace.
Training helps managers understand how to respond to disclosures, handle concerns sensitively and take appropriate action. Getting the right response to a first disclosure can dramatically impact what happens next for someone who has experienced harassment or abuse.
5. It can improve retention, wellbeing and organisational reputation
Employees are more likely to stay with organisations where they feel respected and listened to. Taking steps to prevent harassment can reduce the impact of workplace conflicts, improve wellbeing and support staff retention.
It also sends a clear message to current and prospective employees, customers and partners that your organisation is committed to inclusion, dignity and respect.
Investing in prevention
Creating safe and respectful workplaces benefits everyone. While training alone is not enough, it is an important part of a wider approach that includes clear policies, supportive reporting processes and strong leadership. The preventative steps and training you deliver in your organisation can have a knock-on effect on the friends, families and communities of your staff team as they take what they have learnt out into wider society
Imagine a world where experiences like Nadia’s are addressed early, where women feel safe and supported to report inappropriate behaviour, and where effective prevention means that behaviour never happens in the first place. Instead of considering leaving her job, Nadia can thrive at work and continue building her career, reaching her full potential.
For employers across the West of England, specialist sexual harassment training can help turn that vision into reality by building the awareness, confidence and practical skills needed to create safer, more respectful workplaces.
SARSAS offers a range of Sexual Harassment at Work training for employees and leadership teams, from £473 for 90 minutes through to £1,512 for a full day. Discover the value of specialist, trauma-informed training delivered by experts in supporting survivors of sexual violence.
If you need support for an experience of sexual harassment, sexual assault or abuse, you can contact the SARSAS helpline. We will listen, believe and support you.
