Meet Priya

Priya, a mid-level manager at a leading tech company, has always been passionate about her work. She thrives in a competitive environment and enjoys collaborating with her colleagues. However, over the last few months, she has started feeling uneasy. Priya has witnessed a few instances of inappropriate behavior in her office. While her company has a policy against sexual harassment, she isn’t sure if there’s a robust mechanism in place to address such issues.

Despite an existing Internal Committee (IC), she feels that her organization isn’t fully transparent about how these cases are handled. Many colleagues, especially newer employees, are unaware of the processes to raise a complaint. These subtle cracks in the company’s compliance and culture around safety have made Priya question her workplace’s commitment to creating an inclusive and safe environment.

This is where a PoSH audit can make all the difference.

Understanding PoSH and Its Significance

The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013 (commonly known as the PoSH Act) was enacted to ensure a safe working environment for women. It mandates the prevention and redressal of sexual harassment incidents and emphasizes building a culture where employees feel secure and included.

A PoSH audit is an essential tool that helps organizations evaluate how effectively they are implementing the provisions of this law. Audits don’t just ensure compliance with the law but also help organizations build trust, reinforce their commitment to workplace safety, and identify gaps in their practices.

Why Conduct a PoSH Audit?

1. Assess Compliance with the Law

One of the fundamental reasons for conducting a PoSH audit is to assess whether your organization is in compliance with the PoSH Act, 2013. An audit will evaluate:

• Whether you have a properly constituted Internal Committee (IC) as mandated by law.
• Whether your policies on prevention of sexual harassment are clear, easily accessible, and well-communicated to all employees.
• Whether your organization is conducting mandatory PoSH training sessions regularly.

In Priya’s case, had her company undergone a regular PoSH audit, it would have revealed that many employees were unaware of how to report inappropriate behavior, and the internal processes weren’t as transparent as they should be.

2. Evaluate the Effectiveness of Internal Committees (IC)

Simply having an Internal Committee in place is not enough. The IC must function effectively, be unbiased, and properly trained. A PoSH audit ensures that:

• The IC is adequately trained to handle cases in a sensitive and legally compliant manner.
• Employees feel confident in the IC’s impartiality and professionalism.
• The investigation process is timely, confidential, and free from any biases.

If Priya’s organization had evaluated the performance of their IC through an audit, they might have uncovered that employees lacked trust in the committee and were unsure how their complaints would be handled.

3. Uncover Gaps in Awareness and Training

One of the most common findings in PoSH audits is a gap in employee awareness and training. The PoSH Act requires organizations to conduct regular awareness programs for employees, educating them on the prevention of sexual harassment, reporting mechanisms, and consequences for perpetrators.

Priya’s company, for example, may have conducted an initial PoSH training when she joined, but a lack of ongoing sessions could explain why she and others felt unsure about their rights and reporting procedures.

A thorough audit could identify this gap and help companies improve their training initiatives.

4. Create a Culture of Trust and Inclusivity

When companies invest in a PoSH audit, it signals to employees that their safety and well-being matter. Conducting regular audits allows an organization to build a culture of trust and inclusion, as employees know that the company is serious about creating a safe and harassment-free environment.

In Priya’s case, if her company had demonstrated its commitment by conducting regular PoSH audits and taking the findings seriously, it would have fostered a safer, more inclusive culture. Employees like Priya wouldn’t feel hesitant about raising their voices when necessary.

Impact of PoSH Audits

Conducting a PoSH audit has far-reaching benefits for an organization. Here’s how it can make a difference:

1. Enhanced Employee Confidence

When employees know that regular audits are conducted to ensure their safety, they are more likely to feel secure in their work environment. This trust boosts their overall engagement, leading to higher productivity.

2. Improved Workplace Culture

Audits provide organizations with the insights they need to address underlying issues in their workplace culture. A focus on safety and inclusivity can result in better employee morale, lower turnover, and a more positive work atmosphere.

3. Mitigation of Legal Risks

Non-compliance with the PoSH Act can have serious legal and reputational consequences for an organization. Conducting regular audits ensures that your company is not only compliant with legal mandates but also demonstrates proactive efforts in maintaining workplace safety.

4. Increased Awareness and Inclusivity

A PoSH audit sheds light on whether the organization is doing enough to raise awareness among its employees. The findings from the audit can help improve training programs and strengthen inclusivity initiatives, ensuring that employees at all levels understand their rights and the resources available to them.

What a PoSH Audit Covers

When your organization conducts a PoSH audit, the process typically includes the following key components:

• Policy Review: Evaluating the clarity, accessibility, and alignment of the organization’s anti-sexual harassment policies with the PoSH Act.
• Internal Committee Evaluation: Assessing the effectiveness and impartiality of the IC, ensuring that members are trained and that processes are followed correctly.
• Awareness and Training: Identifying gaps in employee education regarding the PoSH Act, reporting mechanisms, and their rights.
• Case Management: Reviewing how past cases were handled, ensuring that investigations were timely, transparent, and in accordance with the law.
• Employee Feedback: Collecting insights from employees to gauge their awareness, confidence in the IC, and overall sense of safety in the workplace.

Is Your Company Fully Compliant?

To truly understand if your company is compliant, ask yourself the following questions:

• Does your policy cover all the legal requirements under the PoSH Act?
• Is your IC impartial, well-trained, and regularly updated on case management?
• Do you conduct regular awareness training for all employees, regardless of level?
• Are your reporting mechanisms easily accessible and confidential?

If the answer to any of these questions is uncertain, it may be time for a PoSH audit.

Conclusion: Why Companies Need PoSH Audits

PoSH audits are not just about legal compliance—they are about building a work environment where employees like Priya feel safe, respected, and valued. Audits offer a clear pathway to identify gaps, improve awareness, and foster an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive.

Is your organization ready to take the next step in ensuring compliance and workplace safety? 

Contact us today to learn more about how a PoSH audit can help your company meet its legal obligations while building a culture of trust, safety, and inclusion.