How to Prevent Sexual Harassment in the Hospitality Sector

The hospitality industry is built on creating welcoming experiences, but the workplace can be unsafe for many employees. A report by UNITE found that 90% of female hospitality workers and 70% of male workers have faced sexual harassment at work.

The combination of late hours, alcohol, and a customer-first culture often puts staff in vulnerable situations.

Addressing this issue is not just about legal compliance—it’s about fostering a culture where employees feel safe, respected, and empowered to report misconduct.

Why is Hospitality High-Risk?

Sexual harassment is widespread in the industry due to:

• Alcohol and late hours – Many incidents occur in bars, clubs, and hotels where alcohol lowers inhibitions.

• Power dynamics – Employees fear losing jobs or tips if they challenge inappropriate behavior.

• High turnover and casual contracts – Temporary workers often lack support or awareness of reporting channels.

• The "customer is always right" mindset – Staff may be pressured to tolerate harassment from guests to avoid complaints.

Despite these challenges, businesses can take concrete steps to prevent harassment and protect employees.

Key Strategies for Prevention

A zero-tolerance policy is the foundation of any harassment prevention plan. This policy must set clear guidelines on what constitutes harassment, ensure confidential reporting systems are in place, and make it clear that all complaints will be taken seriously.

When employees know their concerns will be addressed without retaliation, they are more likely to speak up.

Training is equally important. According to a UK government study, sexual harassment prevention training can reduce incidents by up to 30%. Employees should be taught to recognize inappropriate behavior, intervene as bystanders, and report concerns.

Managers need to be trained to handle complaints effectively and enforce policies consistently. Businesses that invest in ongoing training create a culture where respect is non-negotiable.

Another critical step is addressing customer harassment. Employees should never feel pressured to tolerate inappropriate behavior from guests. Clear policies should empower staff to refuse service or report incidents without fear of repercussions.

Displaying signs that state harassment will not be tolerated can also set expectations upfront.

How Can Technology Help in this Situation?

With high turnover and busy schedules, businesses need practical solutions to keep staff informed and protected. Digital training platforms provide accessible harassment prevention courses, allowing employees to learn independently without disrupting operations.

Confidential reporting tools also allow employees to raise concerns without fear of being identified. Additionally, real-time compliance tracking ensures all staff members are trained and aware of company policies.

Create a Safer Future with PocketTrainer

Creating a harassment-free workplace requires more than just policies—it demands action. PocketTrainer makes it easier for hospitality businesses to train employees, track compliance, and provide a safe space for reporting concerns.

With interactive training and built-in reporting tools, companies can ensure that their staff feel protected and valued.

If you want to foster a safer, more professional work environment, book a demo of PocketTrainer today and see how it can transform your workplace.

Click here to learn more.