Coworking Spaces: How To Protect Workers From Third Party Harassment

Coworking and the use of shared/serviced office spaces has surged post-pandemic, reducing employer control over the people with whom they share the physical work environment. With new duties to prevent sexual harassment of staff due to take effect in the UK, what steps should employers adopt to protect their workforce from third party harassment?

The UK's Employment Rights Bill, which isnow in its very final stages, will re-introduce employer liability for harassment by third parties. This is significant for many employers, but raises particular risks for those who use coworking and other shared office spaces. In this article, we consider the problem of coworking spaces and harassment and what employers can do to mitigate the risks, including working with landlords and buildings management.