86 it: Sexual Harassment Prevention in the Restaurant Industry

Program Overview

86 It is a prevention training designed specifically for employees and management in the restaurant and hospitality industry. The program addresses sexual harassment and sexual violence in the workplace and focuses on building safer, more respectful environments for staff at all levels.

The restaurant and hospitality industry consistently reports some of the highest rates of workplace sexual harassment. Factors such as power imbalances, customer interactions, tipping culture, and fast paced work environments increase vulnerability for many workers. 86 It was developed to address these realities directly and provide practical tools that staff and leadership can use immediately.

Created by Our Voice, 86 It is grounded in trauma informed and evidence-based practices and is facilitated by educators with experience in sexual violence prevention and workplace safety.

Who This Training Is For

86 It is designed for:

• Front of house staff such as servers, bartenders, and hosts

• Back of house staff including cooks and kitchen teams

• Restaurant owners and management

• Hospitality workers in cafes, breweries, bars, hotels, and other service based businesses

The training is appropriate for both staff and leadership and can be tailored to fit the structure and needs of individual workplaces.

What the Training Covers

86 It provides comprehensive education on sexual harassment and sexual violence within restaurant and hospitality settings.

Participants learn about:

• What sexual harassment is and how it shows up in service industry workplaces

• The difference between flirting and harassment

• Power dynamics between staff, management, and customers

• How workplace culture can normalize or prevent harm

• Setting and respecting personal and professional boundaries

• Consent and communication in the workplace

• How to recognize harassment early

• How to intervene safely as a bystander

• How to support coworkers who experience harassment

• How to report concerns and seek support

The training uses real world scenarios that reflect common situations faced by restaurant and hospitality workers.

Why This Training Matters

Sexual harassment in the restaurant and hospitality industry is widespread and often underreported. Many workers do not report harassment due to fear of retaliation, loss of income, or lack of clear reporting processes.

When workplaces do not address harassment, the impact can include emotional harm, staff turnover, low morale, and unsafe working conditions. 86 It helps shift workplace culture by providing staff and leadership with shared language, expectations, and tools for accountability.

By investing in prevention, businesses demonstrate a commitment to safety, respect, and well being for their employees.

How the Training Works

86 It is delivered as an interactive, two hour training that emphasizes discussion, reflection, and skill building. The session is designed to be engaging and accessible while addressing serious topics with care.

Training elements include facilitated discussion, scenario based learning, and practical exercises focused on real workplace situations. The training can be delivered virtually or in person and adapted to fit different group sizes and workplace needs.

What Participants Will Gain

By the end of the training, participants will:

• Understand what sexual harassment and sexual violence look like in restaurant and hospitality settings

• Be able to distinguish between appropriate behavior and harassment

• Feel more confident setting and respecting boundaries

• Learn safe and effective bystander intervention strategies

• Know how to support coworkers who experience harassment

• Gain clarity around reporting options and workplace expectations

Participants leave with tools they can apply immediately to help create safer and more respectful workplaces.