What is POSH Training and Why is it Important in Corporate Environments?
Let’s start with a question: Do you feel completely safe and respected at your workplace? If yes, great. If not, you’re not alone—and that’s exactly why POSH training exists.
In the Indian corporate world, there’s been a noticeable shift over the past decade. Companies are no longer just focused on profits or targets—they’re also starting to take workplace dignity and boundaries seriously. This is where POSH training plays a vital role.
What Does POSH Stand For?
Before we dive into the why, let’s understand the basics. The POSH training full form is Prevention of Sexual Harassment at the workplace. It’s derived from the Indian law—the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
This law isn’t just about compliance. It’s about culture. It mandates companies with 10 or more employees to build a work environment that prevents harassment, handles complaints fairly, and ensures every employee feels safe—especially women.
So, What is POSH Training All About?
It’s not just a seminar or a boring compliance formality. Done right, POSH training is an interactive session where employees understand what sexual harassment really means, how it shows up in daily work life, and what steps can be taken when something goes wrong.
It teaches that even subtle gestures—an off-color joke, an inappropriate compliment, a lingering stare—can cross boundaries. Sometimes people don’t even realize their actions are making others uncomfortable. POSH training helps everyone recognize these lines.
Why Do Corporates Need POSH Training?
You might be thinking, “Isn’t this just for HR folks?” Actually, no. POSH training in corporate setups isn’t a job for one department—it’s a shared responsibility. Every person in an office, from interns to top-level execs, plays a role in making the workplace safe and respectful.
Here’s why companies are taking it seriously:
1. It’s the Law
If you’re running a business in India with more than 10 employees, it’s mandatory to form an Internal Committee (IC), conduct POSH awareness sessions, and put up proper guidelines for reporting incidents. Non-compliance could lead to legal trouble.
2. It Creates a Safer Culture
A company that invests in POSH training is indirectly saying: “We care about how you feel here.” That goes a long way in building trust among employees.
3. It Helps Prevent Issues Before They Happen
Most cases of harassment start small. But with proper awareness, people can correct their behavior early, and victims can feel confident enough to speak up.
What Happens in a Typical POSH Session?
Let me be real with you—some POSH trainings are dry. They follow a script and tick boxes. But good sessions? They feel like honest conversations.
At Above Skill, we usually follow this flow:
- What is the POSH Act?
- Understanding consent, discomfort, and power dynamics
- Real workplace scenarios: what’s okay, what’s not
- How to raise complaints and what happens next
- Role of the Internal Committee (IC)
- Do’s and Don’ts in day-to-day interactions
- Interactive Q&A
Employees often leave the session with more clarity and more confidence. Sometimes even managers realize they’ve been handling situations poorly—and that realization is a great first step.
What Makes POSH Training Truly Effective?
It’s not just about knowledge—it’s about attitude shift. Effective training doesn’t scare people; it makes them aware. It doesn’t point fingers; it opens minds.
In our sessions, we often use real incidents (anonymized, of course) to spark discussions. People share their own experiences—things they laughed off in the past, or uncomfortable moments they didn’t know how to handle.
That kind of honesty can’t be taught through a PowerPoint. It comes from empathy, which is what POSH training in corporate environments is supposed to create.
Is It Just for Women?
This is a big misconception. Yes, the law was made to protect women, but a good POSH training applies to everyone. Men can be victims too. So can members of the LGBTQ+ community. The goal is to create equality, not divide the workplace.
Even bystanders have a role. If you see something off, do you ignore it? Or step in? Training gives people the confidence to choose the right thing.
What About Remote Teams?
Here’s a surprise: harassment doesn’t need a physical office. With so many people working from home, inappropriate comments can easily slip into Slack messages, Zoom chats, or late-night emails.
That’s why modern POSH training covers digital conduct too. What seems like a casual “Hey cutie” on chat could be crossing a professional line.
So yes, whether you’re working from home or from a cubicle, the rules still apply.
What If My Company Doesn’t Have It Yet?
That’s a red flag. Every company should have clear POSH policies in place. If yours doesn’t, talk to HR or your reporting manager. You have the right to work in a safe, respectful space.
If you’re a business owner reading this—don’t wait for a complaint to wake you up. Get proactive. Arrange proper POSH training from professionals who understand your industry and culture.
The Long-Term Impact of POSH Awareness
Let’s get honest—culture change doesn’t happen overnight. But consistent efforts, like yearly training, open-door policies, and leadership accountability, can turn your workplace into one where people feel genuinely protected.
Employees will start reporting issues sooner. Teams will communicate better. And your reputation as a respectful employer will grow. That kind of brand trust can’t be bought.
In Conclusion
To wrap it up, POSH training isn’t just another corporate ritual. It’s a mindset. It says, “We respect boundaries. We take action. And we won’t let anyone feel unsafe here.”
At Above Skill, we believe in more than compliance—we believe in transformation. If your workplace still thinks of POSH as a formality, it’s time for a reset.
Need help starting? We’ve trained companies across industries and helped them move from legal checklist to real impact. Let’s talk.