Creating safe spaces in the workplace

Creating a safe space in business has taken strides in the past decade as the new generation of professionals have been more “woke” when it comes to inclusivity amid growing diversity in workplaces. This, in turn, has created a work culture where employees feel comfortable and are not only safe physically, but emotionally safe also.

Safe spaces have been enshrined under the Safe Spaces Act “Bawal Bastos Law” or Republic Act 113. This covers all forms of gender-based sexual harassment (GBSH), committed in public spaces, educational or training institutions, workplaces, as well as online platforms.

The law is needed especially as some male-dominated sectors such as information, technology and construction now embrace inclusivity in the workplace.

ICT firm Lancaster Technology and Development Corp. (LTDC) held a “Safe Spaces” discussion in celebration of Women’s Month.

LTDC said the “Safe Spaces” event was not only to empower the 21 percent of its women workforce, but to educate the greater percentage of the men in the company.

Atty. Jansen San Juan, a member of the National GAD Resource Pool that provides technical assistance on gender and development topics, identified some acts of gender-based sexual harassment in public spaces. These are misogynistic, transphobic, sexist or homophobic slurs and remarks; stalking; verbal harassment when accompanied by touching, pinching or brushing against the body of the offended person; any touching, pinching, or brushing against the genitalia, face, arms, anus, groin, breasts, inner thighs, face, buttocks or any part of the victim's body; and advances, whether verbal or physical, that are unwanted and have threatened one's sense of personal space and physical safety, and committed in public spaces.

Workplaces include all sites, locations, or spaces, where work is being undertaken by an employee within or outside the premises of the usual place of business of the employer.

The law also provides penalty and jail terms. First offense calls for imprisonment of 11-30 days or a fine of P30,000, provided that it includes attendance in a gender sensitivity training to be conducted by the Philippine National Police in coordination with the local government unit and Philippine Commission on Women.

Second offense is imprisonment of one month and one day to six months or P50,000 fine while the third offense is imprisonment of four months and one day to six months or P100,000.

Fostering safe spaces in business is a progressive step in business, as it is not only beneficial to employers and business owners. Safe spaces not only promote mental health, but enhance employee engagement as it encourages their commitment to their work when they know they are heard and valued.

Open communication also fosters innovation from honest communication. Ensuring safe spaces in the workforce further provides a platform to discuss and resolve conflicts. Ultimately, creating a safe space is a worthwhile investment for business owners with its substantial benefits to both employees and organizations.