Create Awareness Proactively
Flow of information can be prevented only by taking pro-active steps. During the regular POSH trainings for employees, emphasize on the importance of maintaining confidentiality. Communicate the serious consequences to the individuals and the organizations, if the information is leaked.
Include a clause on confidentiality in the POSH Policy
The complainant might have spoken to her manager, the HR or the Grievance Redressal Team before reporting to the IC. They might have also informed a close colleague or friend about the incident. It is also possible that the witnesses told others about the incident. The information will quickly spread through office grapevine.
Therefore, a confidentiality clause should be included in the POSH policy to ensure that employees who hear about incidents do not make the information known to others. It should also include the penalty for breach of confidentiality. IC must ensure that all the employees are aware about these.
Sign non-disclosure agreement
Apart from the complainant, respondent and witnesses, some people in the organization like managers, HR and the employer would know about the incident. When information must be shared with anyone in the organization, get non-disclosure agreements signed by them and restrict the flow of information on a need-to-know basis.