| Event | Seminar on "Workspace Harmony – Cultivating Positive Work Ethics and Conduct" |
| Year | 2024-25 |
| Event Date | 11th July, 2024 |
| Time | 03:00 p.m. to 04:00 p.m. |
| Semester | Conclave 2, 6th Floor, Pillai Campus |
| Faculty Co-Ordinator | Prof. Sayalee Kulkarni. |
| Speaker | Yvette Lee |
| Organized by | PiCA Anubhuti |
Speaker: Yvette Lee
Yvette Lee is a certified psychological counsellor and professional social worker and has been working in the field of mental health for over 15 years. Her expertise lies in mental health counselling, crisis, grief and trauma counselling, and adolescent and marriage counselling. She has worked in the past with people living with mental illness and is currently associated with Mahatma Education Society’s Pillai group of Institutions and works with students with behavioral, emotional psychological and academic difficulties. She has been the past president at Soroptimist International Bombay, Chembur and also is a Board member of National Association of Soroptimists in India.
Overview of the seminar
The seminar on “Workspace Harmony – cultivating positive work ethics and conduct” was organized by the Anubhuti of PiCA to address critical issues related to creating a safe and inclusive work environment. The discussion primarily focused on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act and the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, aiming to enhance awareness and understanding of these laws among employees and employers alike. The seminar also aimed to make the employees aware of the policy’s adopted by MES management to prevent such incidents to happen in the campus.
The seminar began with an overview of the concept of workspace harmony, emphasizing the importance of fostering a positive and respectful work environment. The speaker highlighted that a harmonious workspace not only boosts productivity but also contributes to the overall well-being of employees.
The POCSO Act was discussed in detail, with a focus on its relevance in protecting minors from sexual offenses within and outside the workspace. The speaker explained the legal provisions under the POCSO Act, emphasizing the mandatory reporting of any suspected offenses and the severe penalties for non-compliance.
The Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act was another key topic of discussion. Ms. Yvette Lee provided an in-depth analysis of the Act, which is designed to prevent and address sexual harassment in the workplace.
The seminar covered the roles and responsibilities of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) under the POSH Act, the procedures for filing a complaint, and the importance of maintaining confidentiality throughout the process.
Ms. Yvette Lee also highlighted the need for regular training and sensitization programs to ensure that all employees are aware of their rights and the measures in place to protect them. The importance of proactive measures in creating a safe workspace was emphasized. This includes implementing clear policies, providing regular training, and fostering an open and supportive environment where employees feel comfortable
reporting any issues.
The seminar also touched on the role of leadership in promoting a culture of respect and inclusivity, which is essential for achieving workspace harmony.
An interactive session followed the presentations, where participants had the opportunity to ask questions and share their experiences. The discussion highlighted the challenges faced by organizations in implementing the POCSO and POSH Acts and the best practices to overcome these challenges.
Outcome:
The seminar successfully raised awareness about the POCSO and POSH Acts, providing participants with the knowledge and tools needed to contribute to a safer work environment. The event was well-received, with attendees expressing their appreciation for the practical insights and actionable strategies discussed.
