TAIPEI (TVBS News) — With the onset of year-end parties, the Ministry of Labor issued a warning on Thursday (Jan. 4), urging employers to remain vigilant against sexual harassment during workplace festivities.
Many companies are organizing such events, prompting Huang Wei-chen, the Director of the Department of Labor Standards and Equal Employment, to remind employers of their obligation to prevent workplace harassment, as mandated by the Gender Equality in Employment Act.
"The Act applies if an employee experiences harassment while attending an event hosted by the employer. It is the employer's duty to combat such misconduct," Huang emphasized.
He further stressed that employers must take prompt and effective remedial action upon learning of any harassment incidents.
Maintaining a proactive stance and handling such cases appropriately are crucial in addressing harassment, Huang added.
"The Act heightens the employer's responsibility to prevent harassment, whether it is reported formally or comes to their attention through rumors," Huang explained.
Employers were also advised to remind their staff of professional boundaries during workplace interactions preceding such gatherings to minimize the risk of harassment.