Staff Safety and Well-being Policy

1. Definitions

Harassment

Any form of repeated, unwelcome behaviour that creates a hostile work environment. This can come from colleagues (internal harassment) or the public (external harassment).

• Internal Harassment (Workplace Harassment):
  Includes inappropriate remarks, discrimination, bullying, or intimidation by colleagues, managers, or other employees within the organisation. This also includes:
  
  

• Sexual Harassment: Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favours, or inappropriate physical, verbal, or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature. This includes workplace sexual harassment as per the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, 2013.

• Verbal Harassment: Derogatory comments, offensive jokes, threats, or inappropriate remarks about an individual’s gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or personal background.

• Physical Harassment: Unwanted physical contact, assault, or threats of violence.

• External Harassment (Public or Online Abuse):
  Includes doxxing, cyberstalking, hate speech, threats, or targeted misinformation campaigns directed at staff by external individuals or groups. This also includes:
  
  

• Sexual Harassment in Public or Online Spaces: Threats, unsolicited explicit messages, deepfake content, or stalking directed at journalists and fact-checkers, especially women and marginalised groups.

• Trolling & Disinformation Campaigns: Coordinated efforts to spread false narratives, undermine credibility, or incite targeted harassment against fact-checkers.

Trauma

Psychological distress resulting from prolonged exposure to sensitive, distressing, or graphic content in fact-checking or journalism.

• Vicarious Trauma: The emotional impact of repeated exposure to misinformation, hate speech, or graphic content related to violence, conflict, or crime.

• Burnout: Extreme exhaustion due to prolonged stress from fact-checking, media criticism, or constant exposure to high-risk topics.

Online Abuse & Threats

• Doxxing: Publishing personal information (such as addresses or phone numbers) with the intent to harass or intimidate a staff member.

• Cyberstalking: Persistent online harassment, including monitoring, repeated threats, or targeted attacks.

2. Prevention of Harassment and Threats

• NewsMeter maintains a zero-tolerance policy against harassment, intimidation, and threats targeting employees.

• To mitigate risks, we implement proactive measures, including:

• Digital security training to help employees safeguard personal information.

• Monitoring and responding to online abuse, including doxxing and coordinated disinformation attacks.

• Workplace safety protocols to prevent in-person harassment.

• In cases of severe threats, NewsMeter provides legal assistance and will liaise with law enforcement if required.

3. Mental Health and Well-being Support

• Employees exposed to distressing content will have access to mental health resources on stress management and trauma care.

• Regular training sessions will help staff identify early signs of burnout, vicarious trauma, and psychological distress.

• Employees are encouraged to take mental health breaks and access peer support when needed.

4. Reporting and Assistance

• Any employee facing harassment, threats, or emotional distress can confidentially report incidents to [HR or designated contact].

• Reports will be handled with strict confidentiality, ensuring protection from retaliation.

• Support mechanisms include:

• Case-by-case assistance, including flexible work arrangements if needed.

• Access to professional counselling services for those experiencing significant psychological distress.

• Anonymous feedback channels to monitor and address concerns regarding workplace safety and mental well-being.

5. Enforcement and Accountability

• Any individual, including employees, external collaborators, or audience members, found guilty of harassment will face appropriate disciplinary action, which may include termination of contracts or legal proceedings.

• Regular policy reviews will be conducted to adapt to evolving threats and ensure staff safety remains a priority.