Sexual Harassment at Workplace
Sexual harassment at the workplace is any unwelcome act of a sexual nature — physical, verbal, or non-verbal — that creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive work environment, as defined under India's POSH Act, 2013.
Full Definition
The Prevention of Sexual Harassment at the Workplace Act, 2013 defines sexual harassment as any unwelcome act or behaviour — whether directly or by implication — of a sexual nature. This includes physical contact and advances, demands or requests for sexual favours, sexually coloured remarks, showing pornography, and any other unwelcome physical, verbal, or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature.
The Act recognises two categories of sexual harassment: quid pro quo (where submission to harassment is made a condition of employment or career advancement) and hostile work environment (where conduct creates an intimidating, offensive, or hostile environment that unreasonably interferes with work performance).
A critical legal point: the POSH Act covers not just direct employees but also contractual workers, trainees, interns, clients, and visitors — and applies at offices, client sites, travel related to work, and employer-organised social events. The scope of 'workplace' under the Act is broader than many employers assume.
Understanding the definition of sexual harassment is the foundational objective of any POSH training programme. Employees must be able to recognise behaviour that constitutes harassment — including subtle forms like suggestive comments, inappropriate jokes, or persistent unwanted attention — not just overt physical contact. Aktrea's POSH training uses scenario-based modules to make these distinctions concrete and memorable.
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