The Worker Protection Act amendments and how we can help
As of 26 October 2024, the Worker Protection Act (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) has brought crucial updates to workplace sexual harassment laws in the UK. These changes reflect a growing recognition of the need to create safer, more inclusive environments for all employees, particularly in dynamic sectors like hospitality.
Let's explore the updates to the law, their significance and how Mapal OS applications like Flow Learning, Engagement and Compliance are already equipped to support the hospitality industry in adapting to these changes.
Updates in the law & the importance of training and awareness
1. Employer duty to prevent sexual harassment and provide comprehensive training and resources
The new Act places a legal responsibility on employers to take proactive steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. This marks a significant shift from a reactive approach to a preventative one, underscoring the importance of creating a respectful and safe environment for all employees.
With the updated regulations, it’s vital that employees are well-informed about the nature of sexual harassment and the reporting procedures.
How Mapal supports these changes
We've updated our Learning Management System (LMS), Flow Learning, content on Workplace Sexual Harassment to align with these new legal requirements.
This updated module covers the intricacies of workplace sexual harassment, including practical examples and case studies tailored for the hospitality sector, equipping staff with the knowledge to recognise and address inappropriate behaviour effectively.
All Mapal Flow Learning customers can access this essential material, ensuring your staff can recognise harassment and understand how and what information they need to report it.
Anonymity and reporting mechanisms
2. Anonymity in reporting
The new Act emphasises the importance of confidential reporting mechanisms as a means to encourage employees to come forward without fear of retribution.
This is crucial in creating a workplace where individuals feel safe to report inappropriate behaviour, knowing that their identities and concerns will be protected.
How Mapal supports this change:
Mapal's Engagement tool is equipped with an anonymous suggestion box feature, allowing employees to report concerns or incidents of harassment discreetly.
This anonymity is vital in fostering a culture of openness and trust, as it empowers employees to voice their concerns without the fear of backlash or negative consequences.
Communication & feedback channels and management control over communication
3. Effective communication and censorship of inappropriate comments
The new legislation highlights the need for clear communication about policies and procedures regarding sexual harassment. It also underscores the responsibility of management to oversee workplace communications and ensure a respectful atmosphere.
How Mapal supports these changes:
With the surveys, and newsfeed & forums available in Engagement, hospitality operators can regularly update staff on new regulations and procedures. This keeps everyone informed and engaged, facilitating discussions around workplace culture and expectations.
Our Noticeboard feature in Flow Learning provides a mechanism to easily share policy information with all employees, ensuring that everyone has access to the latest guidelines on workplace conduct. This feature not only allows for efficient dissemination of important information but also includes traceability that confirms who has read the policy.
Such accountability is essential in fostering an informed workforce and reinforces commitment to compliance with the new law.
We also provide management with the ability to monitor and censor communications within the platform. This feature ensures that any offensive or inappropriate comments can be swiftly removed, maintaining a professional and respectful environment for all employees.
By integrating these robust communication and reporting mechanisms, Mapal equips hospitality businesses to align with the updated legal framework while promoting a positive and respectful workplace culture.
Take it to go
The updates to the Worker Protection Act represent a critical step toward fostering a safer and more inclusive workplace in the hospitality sector.
Our Mapal OS applications are already at the forefront of supporting these changes through comprehensive training, anonymous reporting mechanisms and effective communication tools.
By equipping hospitality operators with the resources they need, we're helping you create a culture where all employees feel valued and respected, ultimately enhancing workplace morale and productivity.
Embracing these ever-improving protective measures can be simple, straightforward and rewarding with the right tools, to ensure compliance and, more importantly, to cultivate a positive work environment.
At Mapal, we are dedicated to helping the hospitality industry navigate the updates brought about by the Worker Protection Act. If you want to learn more about how our learning solutions, reporting mechanisms and communication tools can support you in creating a safer and more inclusive workplace, please fill out our contact form!
