Free Sexual Harassment Policy Template

Create and customize a clear sexual harassment policy in minutes, empowering your employees and supporting compliance.

Sexual Harassment Policy Template

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure a workplace free from sexual harassment, where all employees feel safe and respected. This policy outlines [Company name]'s commitment to creating a professional environment that actively discourages any form of sexual harassment and provides clear guidelines for action.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all employees of [Company name], including contractors, clients, and suppliers, during work hours, company events, or work-related communications (digital or offsite).

3. Definitions

Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for favors, or verbal/physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

• Submission affects employment terms or decisions.
• Conduct interferes with work performance or creates a hostile environment.

4. Prohibited Conduct

Prohibited behaviors include but are not limited to:

• Unwelcome sexual advances or physical conduct.
• Offering employment benefits for sexual favors.
• Threats, retaliation, or derogatory comments/jokes.
• Displaying sexually suggestive materials.

5. Reporting Procedures

Employees may report incidents to [Human Resources contact] or via [Company reporting tool]. Complaints are treated urgently and confidentially.

6. Investigation Process

• Preliminary review by [Designated authority].
• Formal investigation (if warranted) with interviews and evidence review.
• Both parties notified of findings.

7. Confidentiality

Confidentiality is maintained to the greatest extent possible during investigations.

8. Protection Against Retaliation

Retaliation against reporters or participants is strictly prohibited.

9. Disciplinary Actions

Actions may include warnings, training, suspension, or termination, depending on severity.

10. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed [Review frequency] to align with legal and organizational needs.

How It Works

No more formatting headaches. Just fill, download, and customize.

1. Enter Policy Details

Fill in your organization’s name, reporting contacts, and any specific legal or procedural requirements using the easy input fields.

2. Instant Policy Preview

Watch your policy update in real time, including all essential sections, definitions, reporting procedures, investigation process, and consequences.

3. Download and Customize

Happy with your draft? Download it or tweak it further before sharing with your team.

What Is a Sexual Harassment Policy?

A sexual harassment policy is a ready-to-edit document that clearly outlines how your company prevents and addresses sexual harassment. It sets expectations for behavior, explains how to report incidents, and defines the process for investigating and resolving them, making the workplace safer and more respectful for everyone.

Policy Statement

A clear declaration of zero tolerance for sexual harassment and a commitment to a safe, respectful workplace.

Scope and Applicability

Who the policy covers (employees, contractors, interns, vendors) and where it applies (on-site, remote, events, online).

Definition and Examples

A detailed explanation of what constitutes sexual harassment, including practical examples.

Reporting Procedures

Confidential channels and steps for reporting incidents, including protections against retaliation.

Investigation Process

How reports are handled, timelines, confidentiality, and due process for all parties involved.

Consequences and Disciplinary Actions

Potential outcomes for violations, from education to termination.

Contact Information

Names and contact details for HR or designated reporting officers.

Why HR Teams Need a Sexual Harassment Policy Template

A professionally crafted sexual harassment policy template is essential for:

• Establishes Clear Expectations
  Sets transparent standards for workplace behavior and communicates a zero-tolerance stance on harassment.

• Protects Employees and the Organization
  Provides safe, confidential reporting channels and ensures every complaint is addressed fairly and promptly.

• Reduces Compliance Risks
  Helps your organization comply with local, state, and federal anti-harassment laws, reducing the risk of costly lawsuits and reputational damage.

• Fosters a Culture of Respect
  Promotes trust, inclusion, and psychological safety, helping to build a positive and productive workplace for everyone.

Policy Questions Don’t Stop—Neither Does Winslow

Winslow is always on, providing confidential, policy-based answers to employee questions about harassment, reporting, and support 24/7, right inside Slack, Teams, or email.

HR Teams Trust Winslow for Policies Across Job Roles

HR managers use our Sexual Harassment Policy Template to create effective and compliant policies tailored to various workplace roles:

• HR Managers
• People Ops Specialists
• Team Leads & Managers
• Legal & Compliance Officers
• Remote & Hybrid Workforce Managers
• DEI Officers

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Frequently asked questions

Can I customize the template for my organization’s specific needs?

Yes! You can download the template as a .docx file and make changes accordingly. This allows you to add your organization’s name, update reporting contacts, and adapt the policy to meet your specific legal, cultural, or procedural requirements.

How often should the sexual harassment policy be reviewed or updated?

Review your policy at least once a year, or whenever there are changes in relevant laws, company structure, or employee feedback. Regular updates ensure your policy remains effective and compliant.

How does Winslow help employees understand and access the policy?

Winslow provides 24/7 self-service access to your most up-to-date policy documents and instantly answers employee questions via Slack, Teams, email, or the web. This ensures everyone can easily find accurate information and support whenever they need it.

Is the policy confidential, and how are reports handled securely?

Yes. The policy includes clear guidelines for confidential reporting and secure investigation procedures. Winslow ensures that sensitive information is accessible only to authorized personnel, protecting employee privacy and encouraging safe reporting.

Does Winslow help standardize responses to sexual harassment policy questions?

Absolutely. Winslow enables HR teams to create and share standardized answer templates for common questions. This ensures employees always receive consistent, compliant information, regardless of who responds.