Workplace harassment is a serious issue that impacts employee’s well-being, productivity, and legal compliance for a company. Ignoring it isn’t an option. Every company, regardless of size or industry, must take proactive steps to prevent harassment, train employees, and create a culture of respect.

WHY IDENTIFYING & PREVENTING WORKPLACE HARASSMENT MATTERS?

1. harassment is underreported

Many victims stay silent due to fear of retaliation or belief that reporting will not lead to action. This allows toxic behavior to continue, damaging morale and increasing employer liability.

2. LEGAL & FINANCIAL RISKS

Companies that fail to prevent and address harassment face costly lawsuits, EEOC investigations, and reputational harm. U.S. employers pay millions annually in harassment settlements.

3. A SAFE WORKPLACE = A MORE PRODUCTIVE WORKPLACE

A culture free from harassment leads to higher employee engagement, retention, and overall job satisfaction. When employees feel safe, they perform better.

what every employer should do

Train All Employees & Managers. Harassment prevention training isn’t just a best practice - it’s legally required in many states. Training ensures that employees understand acceptable behavior and know how to report misconduct.
Establish a Clear Reporting Process. Employees should feel safe and supported when reporting concerns. To protect whistleblowers, create multiple reporting channels and enforce strict anti-retaliation policies. Consider a proper, anonymous reporting option.
Investigate Complaints Thoroughly. Employers must act swiftly when harassment allegations arise. A well-documented, unbiased investigation can prevent further harm and reduce legal exposure.
Reinforce Anti-Harassment Policies. Written policies alone aren’t enough. Employers should regularly review and communicate policies to ensure compliance and reinforce expectations.

ARE YOU COMPLIANT WITH HARASSMENT PREVENTION TRAINING LAWS?

Did you know? Nearly half of U.S. states either require or recommend harassment prevention training. Companies operating in multiple states must navigate different legal requirements to remain compliant.

Some states with mandatory harassment training:

CALIFORNIA - Required for all employees in companies with 5+ employees
CONNECTICUT - Employers with >3 employees must provide training to supervisors only
DELAWARE - Required for all companies with 50+ employees
ILLINOIS - Covers in-state and remote employees working with Illinois-based teams
MAINE - Must train if the employer is located or doing business within Maine
NEW YORK - Annual training required for all employees
NEW YORK CITY - Must include bystander intervention topical content
WASHINGTON - Mandates training for employees in specific industries, such as hospitality and property services contractors
WASHINTON D.C. - Requires training for employers with tipped employees

Even in states without legal mandates, providing harassment training is a smart business decision that protects both employees and employers.

GET EXPERT HARASSMENT TRAINING FOR YOUR TEAM

Ensuring compliance and fostering a harassment-free workplace doesn’t have to be complicated. We offer expert-led harassment prevention training to help your organization:

Meet state-specific legal requirements
Educate employees and managers on workplace conduct
Reduce liability and mitigate harassment risks
Build a culture of respect, inclusion, and accountability

Don’t wait until it’s too late! Contact us today to schedule your harassment prevention training.