By Phiwa Sikhondze
As part of the ongoing #NoExcuse campaign against violence, Business Eswatini, (BE) in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO), has announced a landmark training initiative aimed at tackling workplace violence and harassment.
Set to take place from 18 to 20 February 2025 at Nkonyeni Lodge, the three-day training, themed VH@Work, is a move to create safer, more dignified, and productive work environments.
According to a media release by BE, the training is designed to equip employers and employees with practical tools to prevent and address violence and harassment in the workplace.
This initiative forms part of BE’s ongoing #NoExcuse campaign, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to fostering workplace cultures rooted in respect, equality, and safety.
Addressing the issue of workplace violence, BE CEO, E. Nathi Dlamini said “Workplace violence and harassment undermine not only individuals but also organizational success. Business Eswatini recognizes that fostering a culture of safety, respect, and dignity is not just a moral obligation but a strategic necessity for business sustainability.”
Research highlights the numerous benefits of a harassment-free workplace (According to BE)
- Improved Productivity and Employee Well-being: By addressing workplace violence, employers can significantly reduce absenteeism, presenteeism, and turnover, leading to improved employee engagement and workplace morale.
- Legal Compliance and Risk Mitigation: Adopting compliant policies and practices ensures that companies align with international standards, helping to mitigate legal risks and prevent costly lawsuits related to harassment or violence in the workplace.
- Enhanced Reputation and Brand Loyalty: Demonstrating commitment to gender equality and creating a safe work environment enhances the company’s reputation, fostering loyalty among employees, customers, and business partners.
- Increased Retention of Talent: Workplaces free from harassment attract a more diverse and skilled talent pool, enhancing the company’s ability to recruit and retain top performers across sectors.
“The VH@Work training will offer a structured program tailored to help businesses establish and uphold zero-tolerance policies on violence and harassment. The training will focus on: understanding different forms of workplace violence and harassment, assessing and mitigating risks in different work environments, identifying and addressing cases of violence and harassment effectively, and developing and implementing workplace policies and hearing procedures,” Dlamini explained.
Designed by leading experts, the curriculum is backed by best practices from the International Training Centre of the ILO (ITCILO) in Turin, Italy, and insights from the ILO Employer Specialist Office. This global expertise ensures that local businesses receive world-class training, customized for Eswatini’s labour landscape.
Attendees will benefit from:
- Expert Facilitation: Trainers specializing in Workplace Safety, Law, Employee Wellness, and HR.
- Case Studies: Real-world scenarios demonstrating practical solutions to workplace challenges.
- Legal Insights: Understanding key legal frameworks and case law.
- Risk Assessment Tools: Resources to identify workplace risks and design action plans.
- Policy Development Guidance: Strategies for implementing and monitoring workplace policies including VH@hearing Procedures.