In the modern workplace, having a secure and friendly environment is crucial. Leading innovators in the tech sector and tech businesses are also defining standards for safe, respectful, and appreciated work environments. Good workplace culture is no longer a “nice-to-have”; rather, it is essential to boosting work productivity, maintaining employee satisfaction, and bringing the company to its full potential.
Workplace Environments: Positive vs. Negative
In a healthy work environment, teamwork, creativity, and general well-being are all improved. Feeling emotionally and physically safe encourages employees to give to the greatest capacity possible. However, positive work environments are characterised by trust, open communication, mutual respect, and a strong sense of community. According to WHO, a toxic work atmosphere can be exceedingly detrimental. Not only do discrimination and harassment reduce productivity, but they also cause emotional distress and a high employee turnover rate. Globally, an estimated 12 billion working days are lost every year to depression and anxiety at US$ 1 trillion per year in lost productivity. There are effective actions to prevent mental health risks at work, protect and promote mental health at work, and support workers with mental health conditions.
(Source: WHO report on employee productivity and mental health)
The Value of Positive Work Environments
A positive work environment not only boosts employee satisfaction but also directly impacts a company’s bottom line. Research has shown that positive corporations attract top talent and are more innovative and productive. A Gallup study shows, that in 2023, global employee engagement stagnated, and overall employee well-being declined. While both measures are at or near record highs, their lack of improvement is notable, as they follow multiple years of steady gains. (Source: Gallup study on profitability and employee engagement)
Creating a happy work environment increases employee loyalty and retention. Employee loyalty to the company tends to increase when they are aware that they are working in a setting that prioritizes their advancement, emotional health, and safety.
How Unsafe Workplaces Affect Women
Regretfully, women in particular frequently encounter serious challenges at work, particularly in the form of harassment and unfair treatment. According to research conducted by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Sexual harassment encompasses a range of behaviors and practices of a sexual nature, such as unwanted sexual comments or advances, “jokes”, displaying pictures or posters objectifying women, physical contact or sexual assault. (Source: ILO study on harassment in the workplace related to gender) Sexual harassment of women in organizational settings has recently become a topic of interest to researchers and the general public alike. (T.Bhattacharyya 2010). Globally, sexual harassment is a burgeoning issue, which has been witnessed everywhere.
The detrimental impacts of unsafe surroundings include mental health issues and lower productivity. Building a workforce that is inclusive and diverse requires making places safer for everyone.
An Important Tool for Workplace Safety
Stricter laws help prevent workplace harassment by holding individuals and organisations accountable for their actions, ensuring clear consequences for misconduct. One of the most essential laws is the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, commonly known as “POSH” act in India, which aims to safeguard women from sexual harassment and create a safe work environment for them. The Act mandates that any organisation employing over ten workers set up an Internal Complaints (IC) Committee to address sexual harassment-related complaints.
As per NCRB, the victim count for workplace sexual harassment against women has increased from 402 in 2018 to 422 in 2022. This is cause for concern, because it is well-established that women actually under-report crimes against them due to fear of repercussions, inadequate awareness, and societal biases.
The POSH Act is a significant step towards creating a workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment, and it is crucial that employers comply with the act’s provisions to ensure a safe and inclusive work environment for all employees. In addition to making the workplace safer and more supportive of women, the POSH Act has had a favourable effect on workplace productivity. Women are more likely to be productive and engaged at work when they feel protected and respected, which improves performance and outcomes. The act has also helped in creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace, where women feel valued and recognized for their contributions.
How MAPL World Encourages POSH and Other Workplace Initiatives
Millennium Automation Private Limited (MAPL), a leading IT and telecom system integrator, is setting the standard for inclusive and safe work environments by actively promoting/endorsing POSH compliance and other safety-related activities. The CEO of MAPL World, Varinder Singh Jawanda, has directed the organisation to take proactive steps to guarantee the security and welfare of its workers.
“We think that the foundation of a successful company is a happy workplace. We want to create and nurture a work environment where all employees feel valued and protected by introducing POSH and other safety protocols, our employees’ safety and wellbeing are above everything for us” adds Jawanda.
In addition to POSH compliance, the organisation carries out other programs to enhance inclusion and workplace safety. These include developing clear anti-discrimination policies, implementing diversity and inclusion practices, and providing anonymous reporting avenues for any type of workplace misconduct. By creating a culture of open communication and ongoing learning, the organisation gives all of its workers a secure place to express themselves and voice their opinions, which improves their general well-being and output.
In addition to having a specific ICC for POSH complaints, MAPL World often hosts training for its employees to increase their knowledge of workplace safety. Their programs foster a culture that actively rejects harassment and discrimination, going above and beyond compliance.
In conclusion, developing a culture of respect, safety, and cooperation is more important for creating and nurturing a safe and happy work environment than simply ticking boxes. Companies in the IT and technology sector, like MAPL World, are pioneering workplace safety measures. Building stronger, more resilient businesses will depend on making sure that POSH and other safety and wellness measures are implemented in every workplace as we strive toward a more inclusive future.
