HR professionals are not surprised by CBI sexual misconduct scandal

CBI sexual misconduct claims

The claims against CBI include attempted sexual assault by a manager, a senior manager sending explicit images to a junior member over several years and a woman raped at a staff boat party on the river Thames.

Many more women told the Guardian that CBI has a toxic culture. There were also claims that cocaine was widespread at CBI official events.

A law firm is currently carrying out an independent investigation of the business.

This is not the first time CBI has been spotlighted for sexual misconduct claims. Earlier this year complaints of sexual harassment were made against Toby Danker the director general at CBI.

Recently Danker was dismissed with immediate effect.

What have HR professionals said about the sexual misconduct claims?

HR and employment professionals have said that these claims are unsurprising considering how many toxic workplaces reported in the UK.

One HR professional said: “Having undertaken a number of large-scale investigations and reviews into toxic cultures I am not in the slightest bit surprised, but I continue to be disappointed at the poor behaviour of men in organisations.

“I am also fed up of hearing about the D&I initiatives of some organisations that are frankly a waste of time and energy, window dressing that does not get underneath the real issues that staff are facing.”

For an improvement in toxic work culture, the HR professional said businesses must understand and admit that the current environment for women employees is not great and still needs a lot of improvement.

Professionals have said that with this widespread issue, there is still more to come. But the businesses that are proactive and act now and do something to change and better their workplace culture.

One professional said HR teams need to have a zero-tolerance attitude when it comes to misconduct claims. They also suggested sacking those that are guilty of poor actions even if they are senior and top performers.

To add to this, they said to integrate clear and specific rules for how employees should conduct themselves in the workplace. Set these rules for recruitment, promotions, training, and performance.

Another HR professional stated that employers that do nothing could face serious legal implications and damage the reputation of their business.

They also said: “Employers should be subject to a statutory code of conduct that requires them to immediately suspend any employee accused of sexual harassment or assault at work. We are facing an epidemic of sexual harassment and assault and we need a cure.”

Further advice from the HR professionals said that employers must send a clear message if they want to see things improve. Employers can change their investigation process and hire external investigators if there is not enough trust. Furthermore, make it known and clear how to raise an issue and make sure the procedure works.

HR advice and support for employers

Sexual misconduct is common in the UK and it’s clear to see after the CBI cases that it’s happening too often. If employers want to change their toxic workplace culture they will need to be harder on their staff and take claims more seriously.

If you don’t take a claim seriously it’s likely that you could face legal action and be taken to an employment tribunal.

We provide free support if you’re an employer and need advice on HR issues. We offer 24/7 help to guide you through the process.

Please speak to one of our HR and employment law advisors free at 0800 144 4050. Fill in the form here to request a callback.