Banks report more sexual harassment cases in FY17
, ET Bureau|
Updated: Oct 05, 2017, 11.56 PM IST
MUMBAI: The banking sector reported more cases of sexual harassment in 2016-17 than in the previous year, and diversity experts attribute it to better awareness among employees and transparency of organisations to deal with such cases.
According to data put together by Complykaro Services, which helps companies comply with sexual harassment of women at workplace law, 25 banks listed on the Bombay Stock Exchanges (BSE) reported 210 sexual harassment cases in the last fiscal, an increase of 5% from 2015-16.
ICICI Bank led the list with 95 cases. Axis Bank reported 32 cases while HDFC Bank reported 16.
Experts said increase in reportage indicates that banks have created a robust system for redressal where employees are comfortable to discuss their issues without fear. Several companies have adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards unacceptable behaviour and harassment, said diversity experts.
“Number of complaints need not necessarily mean number of sexual harassment complaints actually proven,” said Vishal Kedia, founder of Complykaro. “It would mean that such organisations have a conducive atmosphere wherein women believe that they can come forward and complain without any retaliation or fear.”
ICICI Bank, which had received 87 complaints of harassment in 2015-16, had 100% case redressal with no pending cases in both the years, according to the data.
“The high number of complaints only goes to show that the company has created a culture where people have the confidence to report an incident knowing that it will be dealt with utmost diligence and confidentiality,” said TK Srirang, human resources head at ICICI Bank.
Experts said a lot of such complaints may not be sexual harassment related but once the woman states that it is a sexual harassment complaint, it has to be logged as one even if eventually it is held that it is no sexual harassment related or it is not proven.
ICICI Bank had put in place a policy on prevention of sexual harassment at workplace much before the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 was brought into force to protect women employees against discrimination or any form of harassment.
“An increase in sexual harassment reportage means women are increasingly becoming comfortable about reporting sexual harassment offences due to the confidence given by organisations and the prevention of sexual harassment of women at workplace law,” said Saundarya Rajesh, founder president of talent strategy consulting firm AVTAR Career Creators.
“Sensitisation programmes run by companies educate women to be more aware of their rights and thus more vocal,” she said.
According to data put together by Complykaro Services, which helps companies comply with sexual harassment of women at workplace law, 25 banks listed on the Bombay Stock Exchanges (BSE) reported 210 sexual harassment cases in the last fiscal, an increase of 5% from 2015-16.
ICICI Bank led the list with 95 cases. Axis Bank reported 32 cases while HDFC Bank reported 16.
Experts said increase in reportage indicates that banks have created a robust system for redressal where employees are comfortable to discuss their issues without fear. Several companies have adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards unacceptable behaviour and harassment, said diversity experts.
“Number of complaints need not necessarily mean number of sexual harassment complaints actually proven,” said Vishal Kedia, founder of Complykaro. “It would mean that such organisations have a conducive atmosphere wherein women believe that they can come forward and complain without any retaliation or fear.”
ICICI Bank, which had received 87 complaints of harassment in 2015-16, had 100% case redressal with no pending cases in both the years, according to the data.
“The high number of complaints only goes to show that the company has created a culture where people have the confidence to report an incident knowing that it will be dealt with utmost diligence and confidentiality,” said TK Srirang, human resources head at ICICI Bank.
Experts said a lot of such complaints may not be sexual harassment related but once the woman states that it is a sexual harassment complaint, it has to be logged as one even if eventually it is held that it is no sexual harassment related or it is not proven.
ICICI Bank had put in place a policy on prevention of sexual harassment at workplace much before the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 was brought into force to protect women employees against discrimination or any form of harassment.
“An increase in sexual harassment reportage means women are increasingly becoming comfortable about reporting sexual harassment offences due to the confidence given by organisations and the prevention of sexual harassment of women at workplace law,” said Saundarya Rajesh, founder president of talent strategy consulting firm AVTAR Career Creators.
“Sensitisation programmes run by companies educate women to be more aware of their rights and thus more vocal,” she said.
