To: All team members

Subject: The Importance of Adhering to the Anti-Harassment Policy

Team,

At Leeds West Groups, we are dedicated to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all team members. One of the cornerstones of this commitment is our strict Anti-Harassment Policy, which applies both within the workplace and in any work-related context outside the workplace. A complete copy of our Anti-Harassment policy can be found quickly and conveniently in the LWG Employee Handbook.

Why Following the Anti-Harassment Policy is Essential:

1. Respect and Dignity: Every team member deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. Adhering to the Anti-Harassment Policy ensures that everyone feels valued and respected.
2. Safe Work Environment: Harassment of any kind may create a hostile and unsafe work environment. By preventing harassment, we promote a safe workplace for all team members, business vendors, and customers.
3. Legal Compliance: Following our Anti-Harassment Policy helps ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations, protecting both team members and the organization from legal consequences.
4. Positive Work Culture: A harassment-free workplace cultivates a positive work culture, boosting morale, collaboration, productivity, and overall job satisfaction.

Harassment includes, but is not limited to:

• Unwelcome comments or jokes about gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.
• Physical behavior such as unwanted touching or physical intimidation.
• Visual displays of offensive materials.
• Any conduct that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.

Your Role in Maintaining a Harassment-Free Environment:

1. Be Respectful: Always treat others respectfully and professionally, regardless of the setting.
2. Understand Boundaries: Be aware of and respect personal boundaries and avoid any behavior that could be perceived as harassment.
3. Speak Up: If you experience or witness any form of harassment, report it immediately to your supervisor or HR. Silence can perpetuate harmful behavior.
4. Participate in Training: Engage in training opportunities to recognize and prevent harassment. Stay informed about our policies and procedures.

Reporting and Support:

We provide multiple avenues for reporting harassment, including direct reporting to HR and an open-door policy with management. All reports will be taken seriously and handled with reasonable confidentiality and urgency. Retaliation against individuals who report harassment or participate in a workplace investigation in good faith is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. Likewise, false claims and allegations will not be tolerated.

Following the Anti-Harassment Policy is a shared responsibility that extends beyond the workplace. By committing to this policy, we can ensure that Leeds West Groups remains a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace for everyone. Let’s work together to uphold these standards and foster a workplace where every team member can thrive. Thank you for your attention to this important matter and for your ongoing commitment to maintaining a harassment-free workplace.

To report a concern of harassment in the workplace, please visit https://leedswestgroups.happyfox.com/new/ to contact HR.