Advancing Sustainable Workplace Practices: The Role of the POSH Act in Shaping Culture and Employee Morale

Despite the presence of legal measures designed to prevent and address it, sexual harassment remains a pervasive problem in Indian workplaces. The present study investigates the sustainable practices promoting a better and safer work environment by combating sexual harassment at workplace in the context of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act. The study focuses on the definition, historical evidence, and consequences behind enforcement of this law in workplace. The origin of this legal framework is from the Vishaka guidelines, key provisions and the interpretations are derived from articles 14, 15, and 21 from the Constitution of India, resulting in the implementation of the 2013 POSH Act. The study also highlight on the detrimental effects on women’s well-being and careers due to any kind of harassment that they face while performing their jobs. Further, this chapter highlights the difficulties that women face in reporting and redressal of their complaints. The findings of this study emphasise on the urgent need of strengthening the implementation mechanism, spreading awareness on legal rights and obligations, providing sensitivity training and amendments in existing law if needed to protect and support employees at workplaces. This book chapter will help the future researchers to understand the prevention, prohibition, and redressal of sexual harassment, resulting in a sustainable, inclusive environment. The research concludes by highlighting the importance of prioritising sustainable development goal (SDG) 5 (gender equality), goal 8 (decent work and economic growth), and goal 16 (peace, justice, and strong institutions) creating safe, respectful, and equitable workplaces in shaping organisational culture and enhancing employee morale.