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.
leadership and accountability: the foundation of prevention
A successful harassment prevention strategy starts at the top. Leadership must actively demonstrate commitment to a culture where harassment is not tolerated. This includes:
Adopting a clear and comprehensive harassment policy that is regularly communicated to all employees.
Establishing an accessible complaint system with multiple avenues.
Providing effective training for both employees and managers on identifying, preventing, and addressing harassment.
Enforcing prompt, consistent, and appropriate discipline when it has been determined that harassment has occurred.
creating an effective anti-harassment policy
An effective harassment prevention policy should be:
Clearly defined: State that the policy applies to all employees, applicants, clients, and customers.
Legally Compliant: Outline prohibited behaviors under federal, state, and local laws.
Specific & Actionable: Provide clear examples of harassment and steps employees can take to report concerns.
Confidential & Impartial: Ensure investigations are thorough, unbiased, and protect the privacy of all parties involved.
Easily Accessible: Distribute policies during onboarding, in employee handbooks, and through workplace postings.
Regulary Updated: Review and update policies to align with evolving legal requirements.
A strong policy is only effective if employees understand it and leadership enforces it consistently.
the role of harassment prevention training
Regular, interactive harassment training is key to a successful prevention strategy.
Training should be:
Advocated by senior leaders
Ongoing and engaging
Customized
Legally compliant
For supervisors and managers, additional training should cover:
Recognizing risk factors for harassment and taking action to eliminate them.
How to properly handle complaints and ensure prompt reporting.
The importance of confidentiality and protection against retaliation.
Consequences for failing to address harassment properly.
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
Preventing workplace harassment isn’t just about compliance - it’s about fostering a culture of respect, trust, and accountability.
At Platinum HR, we provide:
Customized anti-harassment policies tailored to your industry.
Expert-led training programs to meet state-specific legal requirements.
Guidance on complaint systems to ensure fair and thorough investigations.
Ongoing HR support to maintain compliance and strengthen workplace culture.
Don’t wait until it’s too late! Contact us today to schedule your harassment prevention training.