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CASE STUDY

From Harassment to High Standards: The Role of HR Training in building boundaries and respect

A fast-growing scale-up was encountering issues with inappropriate workplace behaviour that, in some cases, amounted to harassment. These issues created a risky environment, undermining employee morale and exposing the company to reputational and legal risks.

The Challenge

The rapidly expanding company struggled with a workplace culture where inappropriate sexual jokes were commonplace and physical contact, which appeared harmless, occasionally overstepped personal boundaries, especially at social functions. Additionally, many line managers were inexperienced and lacked the knowledge or confidence to recognise, combat, and prevent harassment or poor behaviour within their teams. Employees were also unaware of how their behaviour could cause offence or put themselves and the company at risk.

Informal complaints were frequent but often treated as near misses rather than early warnings, resulting in missed opportunities to intervene and reset the workplace culture.

The Solution

HRCentral launched a comprehensive, bespoke training program tailored to the clients’ needs and the issues they were experiencing, featuring:

  • In-Person Training for Line Managers:
    Tailored to equip both experienced and inexperienced managers with the skills to recognise signs of harassment, including jokes and comments that cross the line, inappropriate behaviour at social events and physical boundary violations. The training built their confidence to intervene effectively, support those affected, and enforce accountability. Scenario-based learning covered both formal and informal settings.
  • Online Training for Employees:
    A flexible e-learning course designed by HRCentral to raise awareness of sexual harassment, inappropriate jokes, and physical boundaries. It educated employees on the impact of their behaviour, including in casual or social settings, and highlighted the importance of maintaining respect at all times to protect themselves and the business.

Over a short period, the program was rolled out with mandatory participation. Managers attended interactive training sessions facilitated by HRCentral, while employees completed online training modules with assessments to reinforce learning.

The Result

  • Cultural Shift: Significant reduction in inappropriate jokes, comments and physical boundary crossings, including during social events.
  • Empowered Leadership: Both new and seasoned managers took an active role in promoting respectful behaviour and addressing issues swiftly.
  • Heightened Awareness: All employees demonstrated better understanding of respectful conduct and accountability.
  • Elevated Standards: The company established and sustained high standards for workplace behaviour, setting clear expectations that reinforced respect and professionalism at all levels.
  • Positive Feedback: Employee surveys reflected increased confidence in leadership’s commitment to a safe and respectful workplace.

The Conclusion

By addressing both formal workplace interactions and informal social settings, and by empowering inexperienced managers with critical skills, this HR training initiative transformed a permissive culture into one of respect, clear boundaries, and accountability. The approach equipped managers and employees to navigate complex social dynamics in a fast-growing company, fostering a safer, more inclusive environment as the company continued to scale.

Businessbenefits

  • Reduced Legal and Reputational Risk
    Proactive intervention minimised the likelihood of complaints escalating into costly claims or public incidents.
  • Strengthened Leadership and Accountability
    Managers gained the tools and confidence to uphold behavioural standards and lead by example—reinforcing a culture of responsibility.
  • Improved Engagement and Retention
    A respectful, inclusive environment led to higher morale, reduced staff turnover, and better team performance.

We're here to help

Is your business facing similar challenges, such as inappropriate behaviour, blurred boundaries, and managers lacking the confidence to address issues? If so, it’s time to take action.

Tailored training programs designed specifically for your company’s unique culture and needs are essential to build respect, accountability, and an inclusive environment. Don’t wait for problems to escalate. Invest in proactive, customised education and intervention now to safeguard your people, your reputation, and your business success.

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What you can expect when you work with us:

  • You will deal with an appropriately qualified and experienced person
  • We will personally get to know your company
  • The service will be flexible and tailored to your company
  • The service will be professional, pragmatic, direct and decisive
  • We will get you the best outcome for any HR situation that may arise

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