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Preventing and managing workplace harassment
Preventing harassment requires a clear framework and well-prepared people. Identify sensitive situations, clarify responsibilities and structure prevention and response procedures. Develop the foundations for acting rigorously and helping protect people.
- Duration
- 1 day 7 hours
- Code
- RH039FR Code
Presentation
Workplace bullying and sexual harassment are major risks to employee health and can expose employers to liability. Beyond sanctions, the priority is to protect teams and establish a climate of psychological safety. Distinguishing harassment from conflict or stress is an essential first step.
This one-day course is designed for practical application. You will learn to identify early warning signs and high-risk situations, understand the legal framework and employers' obligations, and practise responding appropriately through case studies and scenarios.
The aim is to equip you to act on two fronts: prevention, through awareness-raising and charters, and intervention, through handling reports and conducting investigations. You will develop the ability to defuse toxic situations and ensure a respectful working environment that complies with regulations.
Objectives
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- distinguish workplace bullying, sexual harassment and sexist conduct legally from other risks, such as stress and conflict;
- identify warning signs, including isolation and behavioural changes, and their impact on affected individuals and the wider team;
- analyse employers' legal obligations, including the duty to ensure safety and the French single risk assessment document, and potential sanctions;
- implement practical preventive measures, including reporting procedures, a designated harassment contact and awareness-raising;
- intervene in and manage a suspected harassment situation by conducting an interview, protecting the parties and initiating an investigation.
Program
Module 1: Understanding the legal framework and identifying harassment
- The legal definition of workplace bullying and sexual harassment under the French Labour Code and Criminal Code.
- Distinguishing harassment from managerial authority, stress and interpersonal conflict.
- Recognising factual indicators and the psychosocial impact on affected individuals and the team.
Case study
- Analyse real or fictional situations to determine whether they constitute harassment.
Module 2: Preventing risks and understanding responsibilities
- Analysing the civil and criminal liability of the employer and the perpetrator.
- Mandatory internal procedures and the roles of HR, the French Social and Economic Committee (CSE) and occupational health services.
- Deploying prevention tools: internal regulations, an ethics charter and workplace notices.
Module 3: Taking action and managing crisis situations
- Intervention techniques following a report or confirmed situation.
- Internal investigation methodology and precautionary measures.
- Managing communication and supporting the employees concerned.
Hands-on exercises
- Role-play the management of a harassment case through an interview with the complainant or the person accused.
Audience
This course is intended for key stakeholders in preventing and managing people-related risks, including:
- HR managers and directors responsible for legal compliance and protecting employee health;
- managers and supervisors on the front line of detecting inappropriate behaviour and managing team dynamics;
- representatives of the French Social and Economic Committee (CSE) and designated harassment contacts with a statutory role in raising concerns and supporting employees;
- anyone seeking to contribute actively to a healthy, inclusive and respectful workplace.
Prerequisites
The following prerequisites apply:
- Professional experience: management or HR experience is an advantage when working through practical cases.
- Basic knowledge: awareness of workplace wellbeing and psychosocial risks is recommended.
Teaching and assessment methods
- Initial skills assessment
- Training materials provided to participants
- Continuous assessment throughout the course
- End-of-course feedback questionnaire
- Combination of theory and practical application
- Attendance records
- Post-course follow-up evaluation
- Practical exercises
- Case study
Course highlights
- Legal clarity: understand precise definitions to distinguish harassment from stress and directive management.
- Prevention tools: leave with reporting and investigation procedure templates and guidance for taking preventive action.
- Intensive practice: work through real cases and role plays to adopt the right approach when concerns are raised.
- 360° approach: the course covers legal, psychological and managerial aspects for comprehensive risk management.
Dates and sessions
Choose the date and delivery format that suit you.
No upcoming sessions are currently available.