Sexual harassment at the workplace causes severe physical and emotional damage. Such damage leads to reduced productivity and a negative impact on the lives and livelihoods of the victims. The problem is compounded by long-held socio-cultural beliefs that tend to place the responsibility on the victim, thereby appending to existing inequalities in the workplace and the society at large.
Presently, due to the impending risk of COVID-19, the Indian government has issued social distancing rules; work from home has conveniently become the new norm. Though this conversion of the residential space into a workplace has greased the wheels of corporate houses to continue their work, it also presents a challenge as the new virtual workplace has to bear the peril of online sexual harassment, which holds the potential of entering into the residential environment.
The Authors, in this Research Brief, have deliberated upon varied aspects in relation to the POSH Act, and have suggested recommendations for the improvement in the same, to ensure that the online workspace remains safe for women.