Why is PoSH certification essential for HRs?

The role of HR has evolved beyond recruitment and payroll. Today, HR professionals are the guardians of company culture, ensuring a safe and respectful work environment for all employees. One crucial aspect of this responsibility involves implementing and enforcing the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) Act, of 2013.

Why is the PoSH Act important for organizations?

Before we delve into why PoSH certification is important for people managers, it’s essential to understand why PoSH law is crucial for organizations. The Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace (PoSH) Act of 2013 is vital for establishing a safe workplace environment and culture for all individuals employed within an organization. While this law primarily protects women, it also safeguards against false allegations, ensuring a fair trial for both the complainant and the respondent.

Annu Ralli, from our previous PoSH certification program, says,

“Delving into the complexities of the act was a constant dance between confusion and clarity. Each question unearthed a deeper layer of understanding, fueling a growing curiosity to explore the act’s intricacies. Yet, on a personal level, while learning about my rights felt empowering, it was also disheartening to recognize how often, especially for women, discriminatory behaviour becomes normalized in the workplace.”

Why is PoSH Certification important?

The PoSH certification equips professionals with the knowledge and tools to prevent and address sexual harassment in the workplace effectively. HR professionals, as change agents within an organization, play a pivotal role in shaping and sustaining a positive work culture. When discussing workplace culture, it is impossible to ignore the importance of workplace safety.  A safe environment fosters inclusivity, enhances collaboration across all business fronts, and promotes overall productivity. 

What are the benefits of PoSH certification for HRs?

By getting PoSH certified, HR professionals gain a powerful toolkit for safeguarding their organization. This certification ensures they can draft legally compliant policies, navigate the complexities of the PoSH Act, and guide the Internal Committee. Furthermore, it empowers them to promote a culture of respect and inclusivity through gender sensitization initiatives and employee awareness programs. 

1. The role of HR in implementing PoSH policies:
When HR professionals are PoSH certified, they bring specialized knowledge to the table, making it easier for organizations to draft, customize, and implement PoSH policies tailored to their specific needs and culture. This expertise ensures that the policies are not only compliant with the law but also effective in creating a safe workplace.

2. HR’s comprehensive understanding of the PoSH Act is important:
PoSH certification provides HR professionals with a clear understanding of the PoSH Act 2013, including its legal intricacies and procedural requirements. This knowledge is crucial for ensuring compliance and effectively addressing incidents of sexual harassment along with the Internal Committee and an external member.

3. The role of HR in recruiting an External member:
When HR professionals are PoSH certified, they know the roles and responsibilities of an external member and it becomes easy for them to recruit efficient individuals to the team who have the required skills and knowledge about the PoSH Act and compliances. HRs thorough understanding of the PoSH Act enables them to select individuals who are not only legally compliant but also capable of contributing significantly to a respectful and safe workplace environment.

4. The role of HR in promoting Gender Sensitization:
The PoSH Certified HR professionals are better equipped to understand and tackle gender stereotypes in the workplace. They play a key role in promoting gender sensitization, which is essential for fostering a respectful and inclusive work environment.

5. The role of HR in enhancing Organizational Impact:
PoSH training is essential for organizations aiming to be truly PoSH compliant. HR professionals with this certification can initiate and manage crucial steps to foster a culture of safety seamlessly, backed by their specialized knowledge and skills.

The PoSH certification process encourages HR professionals to engage in continuous learning and unlearning. This dynamic approach ensures that they stay updated with the latest insights, best practices, and legal requirements related to workplace safety.

PoSH Certification Programs at Ungender:

At Ungender, we understand the importance of empowering HR professionals with the right tools and knowledge to become workplace safety champions. Our comprehensive PoSH certification programs are designed to provide HR professionals with the expertise needed to lead PoSH initiatives effectively.

1. Beginner’s Level Certification:
Our beginner’s level certification equips HR professionals with foundational knowledge and skills to become certified PoSH practitioners. Participants will learn to conduct awareness sessions for employees and provide effective training for internal committee (IC) members.

This program covers the basics of managing PoSH compliance and addressing workplace sexual harassment. By completing this program, HR professionals will be proficient in investigation procedures and confident in their ability to promote a safe and respectful work environment.

2. Advanced Level Certification:
For those looking to master the intricacies of workplace safety and PoSH legislation, our advanced-level certification is the next step. This program is designed for HR professionals who handle complex human resource management situations in corporations and startups. It covers advanced legal concepts and the sophisticated application of PoSH policies and procedures.

Participants will develop the ability to create specialized awareness sessions and ensure thorough compliance across all organizational levels. Upon completing this advanced program, HR professionals will be exceptionally equipped to navigate and resolve complex legal scenarios, fostering a culture of respect and safety in the workplace.

Learning from an Expert: Pallavi Pareek

Our PoSH certification programs are led by Pallavi Pareek, the Founder and MD of Ungender. With over 8,000 cases of sexual harassment and workplace misconduct handled, Pallavi is an expert in workplace sexual harassment laws and building inclusive workplaces. She is a leading advisor, trainer, consultant, and external member of some of India’s largest organizations. Pallavi’s approach is grounded in research and the latest best practices, ensuring that our training programs provide practical and actionable insights.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, while PoSH certification is not legally mandatory for HR professionals, it is highly recommended for those who aim to create a safe and inclusive workplace. The knowledge and skills gained from PoSH certification are invaluable in ensuring compliance with the PoSH Act and fostering a respectful work environment. HR professionals who are PoSH certified are well-equipped to lead their organizations in creating a culture where every employee feels safe and valued.

If you are an HR professional looking to enhance your skills and become a workplace safety champion, Ungender is here to help. Our specialized PoSH certification training programs will equip you with the expertise needed to drive PoSH initiatives and build inclusive workplaces.

Contact us at contact@ungender.in to learn more about our training programs and how we can support you in your journey towards creating a safer workplace.

Author: Muthal Venkatachalam is the marketing associate at Ungender. She draws her writing inspiration from her extensive HR professional background and her certification in the Prevention of Sexual Harassment at the workplace. Her approach is grounded in thorough research and fostering open dialogues aimed at creating a safe and respectful workplace.