In today’s corporate world, providing effective training on sexual harassment prevention, diversity and inclusion is crucial for fostering a positive workplace culture. Navruz Avloni, a respected trial attorney and founder of Avloni Law, a boutique plaintiffs’ litigation firm, shares her perspectives on this important issue.
“Workplaces need to go beyond just checking the legal compliance box,” Navruz emphasizes. “True change happens when there is a top-down commitment to creating an environment where every employee feels valued, respected and safe, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation or background.”
A Key Starting Point: Comprehensive Training
One foundational step is implementing comprehensive training programs that address sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and respect for all identities and expressions. “All employers should provide annual training that encompasses not just the traditional sexual harassment scenarios, but also complex issues around gender identity, pronouns and inappropriate conduct targeting the LGBTQ+ community,” Navruz advises.
This training, she notes, needs to be tailored to the specific workplace culture and dynamics. “Some workplaces may need more focus on education than others. The goal is to increase awareness and ensure everyone understands what behaviors are unacceptable.”
Building Trust Through Clear Reporting Processes
In addition to training, Navruz stresses the importance of clear processes for reporting incidents of harassment or discrimination. She emphasizes, “If an employee experiences mistreatment, they need to feel empowered to come forward without fear of retaliation. There must be trust that all complaints will be taken seriously and properly investigated.”
Furthermore, Navruz highlights the need for support mechanisms beyond the office environment. “It’s also crucial to have designated allies and resources available during off-site events, such as retreats, where formal workplace reporting structures are missing,” she adds. This ensures that employees feel safe and supported, no matter where they are.
Leading by Example at All Levels
Ultimately, an inclusive culture requires committed leadership that models the desired behaviors. “From the C-suite down, leaders must exemplify respect, empathy, and zero-tolerance for any form of harassment or discrimination,” Navruz states. “If higher-ups engage in or enable inappropriate conduct, it undermines the organization’s effort and perpetuates a toxic environment.”
She has seen this dynamic play out repeatedly in cases her firm has taken on. “Too often, companies prioritize protecting executives or ‘key’ personnel over addressing legitimate complaints from employees. This shakes trust to the core, sets back progress, and often damages the company’s brand and reputation in the long run.”
Looking ahead, Navruz envisions a future where companies proactively nurture cultures of belonging. “My hope is that one-day workplace training will evolve beyond reactive compliance, and instead empower every employee to show up as their full, authentic self – celebrated for their unique perspectives and treated with dignity.”
In this vision, commitments to diversity and inclusion are woven into an organization’s DNA. “It requires consistent leadership reinforcement, comprehensive education, safe avenues for reporting issues, and a genuine commitment to accountability at all levels,” Navruz summarizes. “When that happens, the entire workplace flourishes.”
Published by: Nelly Chavez
