POSH Policy & Compliance Documentation

Empower, Educate, Prevent: Building a Harassment-Free Environment

Posh compliance is an ongoing commitment that requires the active participation and dedication of the entire organization. It’s essential to consult with legal professionals to ensure full compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Creating documents and policies to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace is essential for promoting a safe and inclusive environment for all employees.

Here are the key documents that we can deliver to you when you consider addressing this issue :

a) Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy :

  • We develop a comprehensive anti-sexual harassment policy in writing that outlines your organization’s commitment to preventing and addressing sexual harassment.
  • We clearly define what constitutes sexual harassment, including both quid pro quo and hostile work environment harassment.
  • Specify the reporting procedures and the consequences for violating the policy.
  • Communicate the policy to all employees and require them to acknowledge receipt and understanding.

b) Reporting Procedures and Documents :

  • We would lay down a clear step by step process addressing all questions relating to reporting procedures.
  • We would create a document that explains the steps employees should follow if they experience or witness sexual harassment.
  • Include information on multiple reporting channels, such as reporting to supervisors, HR, or a designated point of contact.
  • Ensure confidentiality and protection against retaliation for individuals who report harassment.

c) Investigation Guidelines and Reports :

  • Provide you with a document outlining the process for investigating complaints of sexual harassment, including the roles and responsibilities of investigators and witnesses.
  • Specify how investigations will be conducted impartially and thoroughly.
  • Procedure for collection of evidences and relevant material.
  • Templates of notices, Handbook for IC members etc.
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d) Training Materials :

  • Develop training materials and resources to educate employees about sexual harassment prevention.
  • Create a training schedule and document attendance to ensure all employees, leadership, supervisors receive proper training.
  • Include live examples of inappropriate behavior and ways to address and prevent harassment.
  • Promote a culture of open conversation and compliance.

e) Poster or Brochure content :

  • We would design posters or brochure that summarizes key points from your anti-sexual harassment policy.
  • Display this material prominently in common areas to remind employees of your commitment to preventing harassment.
  • Send regular emails and messages.
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f) Employee handbook :

  • Integrate guidelines on appropriate workplace behavior into your organization’s code of conduct or employee handbook.
  • Explicitly state that sexual harassment will not be tolerated.
  • Include references to your PoSH policy.

g) Complaint Forms :

  • Create standardized complaint forms that employees can use to report incidents of sexual harassment.
  • We ensure that these forms are readily accessible and easy to use.

h) Documentation of Incidents :

  • Develop a system for documenting all reported incidents of sexual harassment, including details of the complaint, investigation process, and outcomes.

i) Audit and Annual Reporting :

  • Each year we can assess and create an annual report on your organization’s efforts to prevent sexual harassment.
  • Include data on the number of complaints received, investigations conducted, and outcomes delivered as per the legal requirements.

k) Checklist & Questionnaire :

  • To help you further, we will prepare a checklist for you to keep your compliance in check. On quarterly basis we post questionnaires for employees to have a PoSH Compliance health check.

Frequently Asked Questions: POSH Policy & Compliance​

It refers to the policy guidelines on preventing, reporting, and resolving sexual harassment in the workplace.

It keeps the organization safe from the violation of the Sexual Harassment Act (2013) by providing clear procedure for reporting sexual harassment in the workplace.

The ICC will take complaints, investigate, and make appropriate recommendations.

It includes definitions of harassment, complaint procedure, investigation procedure, preventive measures, and disciplinary action against the offenders.

This policy aligns with the law, and this will be able to bring redressal of complaints in due time, protect against retaliation, and comply with the Sexual Harassment Act, 2013.

Employees should be able to access the POSH policy easily through appropriate communication channels such as employee handbooks, company intranet portals, onboarding materials, or other internal systems. Easy access helps employees understand workplace expectations, reporting procedures, and their rights and responsibilities.

Common mistakes include using outdated policy documents, failing to update Internal Committee details, maintaining incomplete compliance records, providing unclear reporting procedures, and not reviewing documentation regularly. Proper documentation supports transparency and demonstrates an organisation's commitment to workplace compliance.

Yes. A POSH policy should be customised to reflect the organisation's structure, workforce, operational environment, and internal reporting procedures. While the policy should comply with applicable legal requirements, it should also address workplace specific risks and organisational practices.

Organisations should maintain documents such as the POSH policy, Internal Committee appointment records, employee awareness and training records, complaint documentation, inquiry records, meeting minutes, and other compliance related documents required under the applicable legal framework.

A POSH policy should be reviewed periodically to ensure it remains consistent with applicable legal requirements, organisational changes, and workplace practices. Regular reviews help organisations address evolving compliance needs and ensure that employees receive accurate and up to date policy guidance.

Organisations covered under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, should maintain a POSH policy that reflects their legal obligations. The policy should be accessible to employees and aligned with the organisation's workplace structure and applicable statutory requirements.

Organisations should ensure that their documentation accurately reflects the requirements of the POSH Act, internal workplace procedures, reporting mechanisms, confidentiality obligations, and the role of the Internal Committee. Documentation should also be reviewed periodically to remain legally compliant and relevant to organisational practices.