Fostering Respect Across Borders: Best Practices for Addressing Harassment in Cross-Cultural Teams

At Anvay, the Panel on “Harassment & Workplaces: Learnings from Workplace Practices across Jurisdictions” brought together experts from diverse backgrounds to address the complex issues surrounding sexual harassment in global organizations. With the increasing interconnectedness of the workforce, understanding cultural nuances and communication styles has become paramount in creating a respectful workplace environment. 

The panel featured insights from key speakers, including, 

• Sujata Nabar- DGM – Ethics & Governance, Mahindra Group 

• Mahendra Itkarkar- Executive Director, Human Resources, Morgan Stanley 

• Poonam Kapoor- Head of Employee Relations, Credit Suisse, India 

• Vikram Shroff- Head, HR Laws (Employment & Labor), Nishith Desai Associates 

The panel speakers shared their experiences and perspectives on how organizations can effectively navigate the challenges of harassment prevention and foster inclusivity across different cultures. 

Understanding Cultural Nuances 

• Cultural Sensitivity: Employees in cross-cultural teams must be educated about cultural nuances to avoid misunderstandings. Miscommunication can arise when team members engage in conversations using their native languages or cultural references, leading to grievances. 

• Communication gaps: Grievances often arise from communication gaps, particularly when team members from different countries interact. For example, a manager from India using the phrase “make it idiot-proof” may unintentionally offend colleagues in Singapore and New York, resulting in complaints about disrespect and unprofessional behavior. 

Communication and Inclusivity 

• Effective Communication: Leaders should dedicate time to understanding their team members’ communication styles and cultural backgrounds to foster better collaboration and avoid potential grievances. 

• Inclusive Conversations: Meetings and discussions should use language that is understood by all participants, ensuring inclusivity and preventing misunderstandings. 

Proactive Prevention Strategies 

• Clear Policies and Training: Organizations must implement clear anti-sexual harassment policies that include specific examples to help employees differentiate acceptable behavior from unacceptable behavior. Comprehensive training programs are essential for raising awareness. 

• Zero Tolerance Policy: A commitment to zero tolerance for harassment and discrimination should be communicated clearly. All complaints must be treated with fairness and investigated thoroughly, regardless of the jurisdiction. 

• Handling Anonymous Complaints: Organizations should investigate anonymous complaints seriously, even if they do not legally qualify as sexual harassment. All incidents should be treated with the same level of seriousness to maintain a respectful workplace culture. 

Leadership Commitment and Diversity 

• Reinforcing Cross-Cultural Awareness: Leadership must consistently emphasize the importance of cross-cultural awareness and inclusivity to build employee confidence and foster a respectful workplace culture. 

• Diversity and Inclusion: While diversity has become a focus in many organizations, true inclusion requires creating awareness and understanding of how to be inclusive in various situations. 

Innovative Communication Methods 

• Unique Methodologies: Employing innovative methods such as short video bytes and articles on zero tolerance can effectively disseminate important messages across the organization. 

• Support for First Responders: HR personnel should be equipped with the knowledge and empathy to handle complaints effectively, serving as the first point of contact for employees with concerns. 

As we move forward, it is essential for organizations to prioritize education and awareness around cultural nuances and communication styles. 

Prioritizing cultural awareness, implementing clear policies, and fostering open communication, organizations can create a respectful and inclusive workplace culture. Continuous learning and proactive measures will empower employees and enhance collaboration across diverse teams, ultimately leading to a more harmonious work environment. 

By embracing diversity and inclusion as core values, organizations can create a vibrant and dynamic workplace where every employee feels empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. Together, we can build a respectful and collaborative environment that not only meets legal standards but also fosters a culture of kindness, understanding, and growth. 

Who are We? 

At The Legal Swan, we are building blocks of workplace safety. Through POSH at Work (www.poshatwork.com) we provide 360° Solutions against Sexual Harassment and through (www.respekt.in) 360° Solutions for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging. Through Anvay (www.anvayglobal.com) we aim to shape the global narrative around these subjects. 

Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. We hope you find the information useful as you work towards fostering respectful and inclusive workplaces. Please feel free to share your feedback or suggestions for future topics on connect@thelegalswan.com.  

Let’s build blocks of workplace safety together! 

– Authored by Gomathi Sridevi Radhakrishnan, Content Writer, The Legal Swan