Sexual Harassment Prevention Course for Employees

What is Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment refers to unwanted behavior of a sexual nature that undermines an individual’s dignity and fosters a hostile, intimidating, or offensive environment. It can happen in numerous places, such as workplaces, educational institutions, and public areas. Importantly, sexual harassment isn’t confined to direct interactions; it also encompasses actions that create a widespread atmosphere of discomfort or intimidation, even if the behavior is not aimed at a particular person. Understanding and addressing sexual harassment is essential to ensure a respectful and safe environment for all. 

Main Objectives of Sexual Harassment Prevention Training:

Sexual harassment prevention training aims to create a safer, more respectful environment by educating individuals on recognizing, preventing, and addressing sexual harassment. The primary objectives of such training typically include:

  • Understanding Sexual Harassment: Educating participants on what constitutes sexual harassment, including its various forms and manifestations.
  • Recognizing the Impact: Highlighting the emotional, psychological, and professional impacts of sexual harassment on victims and the broader community.
  • Promoting Awareness: Raising awareness about the prevalence and seriousness of sexual harassment in different settings, such as workplaces, educational institutions, and public spaces.
  • Establishing Clear Policies: Informing participants about the organization’s policies and procedures regarding sexual harassment, including reporting mechanisms and consequences for violators.
  • Encouraging Reporting: Empowering individuals to report incidents of sexual harassment without fear of retaliation and ensuring they know how and where to report such incidents.
  • Developing Bystander Intervention Skills: Teaching participants how to recognize potential harassment situations and intervene safely and effectively to prevent or stop the behavior.
  • Fostering Respectful Behavior: Promoting a culture of respect, dignity, and inclusivity by encouraging appropriate and professional behavior in all interactions.
  • Ensuring Accountability: Emphasizing the importance of accountability at all levels, ensuring that everyone understands their role in preventing and addressing sexual harassment.
  • Legal Compliance: Ensuring that the organization complies with relevant laws and regulations regarding sexual harassment prevention and response.

By achieving these objectives, sexual harassment prevention training helps create a safer, more respectful, and inclusive environment for everyone.

Topics covered in Sexual Harassment Prevention Course:

  1. Sexual Harassment
  2. Types of Harassment
  3. Protecting Yourself
  4. Bystanders
  5. Retaliation
  6. Dealing with Harassment

This Sexual Harassment Prevention Course is designed to offer a comprehensive understanding of sexual harassment, covering its legal aspects, preventive measures, and practical steps for addressing and reporting incidents. The goal is to empower employees to cultivate a respectful and safe workplace environment. 

Which laws require Employees to take Sexual Harassment Prevention Training

Several laws in the United States require employees to undergo sexual harassment prevention training. Key laws include:

  1. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: While this federal law prohibits workplace discrimination, including sexual harassment, it does not specifically mandate training. However, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) strongly recommends it as part of an employer’s efforts to prevent harassment.
  2. State-specific laws: Many states have their own requirements for sexual harassment prevention training. Some notable examples include:
    • California: Under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), employers with five or more employees must provide sexual harassment prevention training to all employees. Supervisors must receive two hours of training, and non-supervisory employees must receive one hour, every two years.
    • New York: The New York State Human Rights Law requires all employers to provide annual sexual harassment prevention training to their employees. New York City has additional requirements under the Stop Sexual Harassment in NYC Act.
    • Connecticut: The Connecticut Human Rights and Opportunities Act mandates that employers with three or more employees provide two hours of training to all employees. Supervisors must receive training regardless of the number of employees.
    • Illinois: The Illinois Human Rights Act requires all employers to provide annual sexual harassment prevention training to all employees.

These laws are designed to create a safer and more respectful workplace by educating employees on recognizing, preventing, and responding to sexual harassment.

Benefits of Sexual Harassment Prevention Law Compliance?

Complying with sexual harassment prevention laws offers numerous advantages for organizations, including:

  • Enhanced Workplace Culture: Compliance fosters a respectful and inclusive environment, promoting positive interactions and reducing instances of inappropriate behavior.
  • Legal Protection: Adhering to laws helps protect organizations from legal consequences, such as lawsuits, fines, and penalties associated with non-compliance.
  • Employee Well-being: Training and preventive measures contribute to the physical and emotional well-being of employees, creating a safer and more supportive workplace.
  • Improved Employee Retention: A respectful and safe work environment increases job satisfaction and employee morale, leading to higher retention rates.
  • Reputation Management: Organizations that comply with sexual harassment prevention laws are seen as responsible and ethical, enhancing their reputation among employees, customers, and the broader community.
  • Increased Productivity: A harassment-free workplace reduces stress and distractions, enabling employees to focus on their tasks and perform at their best.
  • Risk Mitigation: Regular training and clear policies help identify and address potential issues early, preventing escalation and reducing overall risk.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Meeting legal requirements ensures the organization is in good standing with state and federal regulations, avoiding costly legal disputes and government sanctions.

By complying with sexual harassment prevention laws, organizations can create a more positive, productive, and legally sound workplace.

Key Considerations When Choosing Insurance Policies:

  1. Scope of Coverage:
    • Ensure the policy explicitly includes coverage for sexual harassment claims, including defense costs, settlements, and judgments.
  2. Limits and Deductibles:
    • Evaluate the coverage limits and deductibles to ensure they are adequate to cover potential claims.
  3. Policy Exclusions:
    • Be aware of any exclusions that might limit coverage for certain types of claims or scenarios.
  4. Third-Party Coverage:
    • Consider whether the policy provides coverage for claims made by third parties, such as customers or vendors.
  5. Policy Endorsements:
    • Look into any additional endorsements or riders that can expand coverage, such as for third-party liability or extended reporting periods.

By carefully selecting the right combination of these insurance policies, companies can effectively manage the financial risks associated with sexual harassment claims and ensure they have comprehensive coverage in place. 

Who Should Take a Sexual Harassment Prevention Course?

To ensure a safe and respectful workplace, various individuals within an organization should take part in harassment prevention training. Here’s a breakdown of who should be included:

  1. All Employees:
    • Staff at All Levels: Everyone, from executives to frontline workers, needs to understand what harassment is, how to recognize it, and their roles in preventing and reporting it.
    • New Hires: It’s crucial to include harassment prevention training in the onboarding process to set clear expectations from the start.
  2. Managers and Supervisors:
    • Team Leaders and Supervisors: They are essential in creating and maintaining a respectful workplace culture and must address incidents promptly and effectively.
    • HR Professionals: HR staff need a thorough understanding to develop and enforce policies, manage complaints, and conduct investigations.
  3. Executives and Senior Leadership:
    • Company Executives: They set the organizational tone and should show a strong commitment to maintaining a harassment-free environment.
    • Board Members: Directors need to be aware of their responsibilities regarding harassment policies and oversight.
  4. Legal and Compliance Personnel:
    • Legal and Compliance Professionals: They require a deep understanding of harassment laws and regulations to ensure the organization is compliant and to mitigate legal risks.
  5. External Stakeholders:
    • Contractors and Consultants: Those working closely with the organization should be familiar with and follow its harassment prevention policies.
    • Clients and Vendors: Training may also be extended to external parties who interact with company employees.

Note: Supervisors and managers should NOT take this course. Instead, they should complete a separate two-hour course that covers their specific responsibilities in preventing and addressing harassment, handling complaints, and ensuring a safe work environment.

Course details:

  • Avg Training Completion Time: 1 Hour
  • Format: Online Self-Paced Training
  • Access: Online Access for 60 Days
  • Certificate of Completion: Yes
  • Training Certificate Expiry: 2 Years
  • Audio: Yes
  • License: Single User

Why Choose Our Sexual Harassment Course?

Course Features

  • 24 x 7 access from anywhere for self-paced online courses
  • Course meets state and federal requirements
  • Courses created by Experts in the industry
  • Instantly print or download Nationally Recognized Certificates
  • Complete your course in one hour and get a certification
  • Online course with audio and PowerPoint slides for easy understanding of training
  • American Disability Act (ADA) compliant course format and delivery
  • Online courses compatible with Windows, Apple, iPad, and other tablets
  • Spanish Version is available
  • Group Discount available.
  • Unlimited Phone and Email Support

Free Sexual Harassment Prevention Course for Students

We will offer this course free of cost to students in USA schools, Colleges, or Universities. Please contact us for instructions on how to access the course.

Enroll Today

By ensuring comprehensive participation in sexual harassment prevention training, organizations can foster a workplace where all individuals feel safe, respected, and empowered to address and prevent harassment effectively. Enroll in our Sexual Harassment Prevention Course today and empower your team with the knowledge and tools they need to maintain a harassment-free environment.

Please contact us for more information at Bob@supremusgroup.com or call (515) 865-4591.