Empowering employees to speak up with tech

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Empowering Employees to Speak Up with Tech

Thank you for joining us today! We're going to dive into a critical discussion about workplace harassment, and the role technology can play in addressing it. Our lead for the day is Lauren, a passionate advocate for creating a safe and inclusive tech environment and an engineer at Vault, a London-based startup dedicated to changing how workplace misconduct is addressed.

Understanding Workplace Harassment

Our goal here is to help you understand various types of misconducts that can occur at work. To do that, we'll first delve into what workplace harassment means. In the UK where Lauren and Vault are based, harassment is described as an unwanted behaviour related to protected characteristics. It's important to note that the intent doesn't determine harassment; the impact it has on the recipient does.

These protected characteristics span across age, race, disability, etc. For instance, offensive comments about a team member’s age, rude comments about a colleague's disability that you overhear – they all constitute harassment.

Sexual harassment is also a form of harassment and is defined as unwanted behaviour specifically of a sexual nature. Once again, the effects and perceptions of the recipient are paramount.

Overcoming Workplace Harassment: Shining a Light on the Issue

Sharing her personal experiences, Lauren painted a stark picture of sexism and harassment in the workplace. Despite the discomfort and constant undermining, speaking up about the issues not only seemed daunting but was often met with indifference or lack of understanding. The harrowing experience made her realized the desperate need for better reporting mechanisms and handling of such cases in the workplace.

Driving a Positive Change

Let's now focus on what we can do about workplace misconduct and how technology can play a significant role in this. It's fundamentally essential to acknowledge that harassment isn't something anyone has to endure at work. Your employer has the legal responsibility to ensure you're working in a safe environment.

Steps to Report Workplace Harassment

  1. If comfortable, raise the issue informally with your superior or the person involved.
  2. If not, you have the right to issue a formal grievance.
  3. Document every incident, no matter how small it seems.
  4. Try to gather as much evidence as possible.
  5. If possible, use a trustworthy platform or tool to document and report your cases.

Enter Vault: The Tech Solution to Empower Employees

Vault, where Lauren works, has stepped up to the challenge and aims to change the status quo. It offers three products: the Vault mobile app for internal reporting, Vault Web for external reporting, and the Resolution Hub for HR professionals to resolve cases.

The system is bolstered by technology that ensures the anonymity of victims (unless they choose otherwise), allows two-way communication with HR, and even provides an 'audit log' featuring a timeline of events surrounding a complaint. The unique 'Go Together' feature aggregates complaints against an individual, gathering strength in numbers.

Final Thoughts

Harassment is not just part of 'the job.' You have the right to work without fear and you are not alone. Platforms like Vault are part of the shift to break the silence and provide better, more compassionate ways to report and handle misconduct at the workplace. While these are challenging topics, acknowledgment, discussion, and proactive solutions are essential to drive change.


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