Are We Required to Train Nonsupervisors in Sexual Harassment Prevention?
No, but it’s a good idea
Training nonsupervisory employees is not a requirement, but many employers think it’s a good idea, and so does the the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), as expressed in the following language from the applicable federal regulation, 29 CFR 1604.11:
“Prevention is the best tool for the elimination of sexual harassment. An employer should take all steps necessary to prevent sexual harassment from occurring, such as affirmatively raising the subject, expressing strong disapproval, developing appropriate sanctions, informing employees of their right to raise and how to raise the issue of harassment under title VII, and developing methods to sensitize all concerned.”
Training employees on sexual harassment and your company’s sexual harassment policies lets employees know they should inform you about any harassment that occurs and give you a chance to remedy the problem before they resort to a lawsuit.
In addition, the courts agree that an employer may be able to defend itself against a sexual harassment suit by showing that steps were taken to prevent harassment and that the complaining employee failed to use the employer’s complaint procedure. Training all employees helps you fulfill these conditions.
CBIA offers several harassment prevention training programs for supervisors and nonsupervisory employees. For more information, click here or call us at 860.244.1900.
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