In today's rapidly evolving corporate landscape, organizations must foster environments prioritizing inclusivity, respect, and legal adherence. During a recent thought-provoking panel discussion, esteemed lawyers Orly Gerby from Herzog Fox & Neeman (Israel), Gabriela Lima from TozziniFreire Advogados (Brazil), and Isabel Baumer from Taylor Wessing (Germany) analyzed the impact of comprehensive ethics and compliance training programs in fostering a culture of integrity and preventing workplace misconduct, including harassment and discrimination.
According to these experts, the key things to keep in mind when examining the link between compliance training, harassment, and discrimination as it relates to the practice of law are as follows:
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Employment law now focuses on environmental factors like sexual harassment and bullying, with legal analysis of personnel communication and WhatsApp groups. Compliance training is essential for a business to maintain a positive reputation, recruit top talent, and ensure long-term success.
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Compliance training to prevent harassment and discrimination is about following the law and doing the right thing to maintain a holistic approach to business success.
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Uncertainty on addressing issues related to equal treatment, unconscious bias, and diversity implicates a need for training and value concepts. Additionally, there is a societal need for ongoing reflection, acknowledgment of personal internalized prejudices, and the necessary change to combat unconscious bias and its role in discrimination.
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Legal implications of harassment include mental, physical, social, and professional consequences for both the victim and the company. Harassment can negatively impact employees, including isolation, depression, burnout, and turnover, leading to increased costs for the company, including training new employees and higher health insurance costs.
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Addressing workplace harassment through compliance training and risk management can mitigate adverse impacts on employees and the company and save their reputation and image.
