Just What is Involved in Sexual Harassment Training?
Recently, a New York jury awarded $15 million to a nurse allegedly sexually harassed by a physician. Sexual harassment does more than just contaminate the work environment. It can cost a company a fortune. More than just a government requirement, sexual harassment training is insurance prevention against unnecessary litigation. Training varies from state to state, and every company has a different approach. Nevertheless, let's take a look at what is involved in sexual harassment training.
California Law AB 1825
With one of the most far reaching sexual harassment laws in the nation, California requires companies of 50 or more employees to provide sexual harassment training to all supervisors. These include full time, part time or contracting workers. The law went into effect after 2005.
California requires training to be a minimum of 2 hours and include an interactive component. Online or web based courses can qualify, so long as they meet certain criteria. However, live training is always best as it's more natural and effective when done face to face.
Appropriate and Inappropriate Behaviors
Sexual harassment training programs usually focus on clearly outlining appropriate and inappropriate behaviors. Though people assume they know what is sexual harassment, they usually have vague notions patched together from what they've seen on television As employees become more aware of appropriate and inappropriate behaviors, they'll better be able to spot it in their own interactions. They'll also be able to recognize when they are being a victim.
Clear Definitions of Sexual Harassment
Most programs clearly outline the definition of sexual harassment behaviors and go into ranges of classification. Far more outreaching than an outline of company policy, sexual harassment training clearly stipulates the boundaries and what employees should be aware of.
The face of sexual harassment is changing, but it remains a persistent and costly problem. In the last year alone, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission investigated over 13,500 sexual harassment complaints, including 15% of which were filed by men. As women take on greater roles in the workplace, the gender roles of sexual harassment can reverse. At the same time, sexual harassment training has never been more important, as a company can easily spend thousands of dollars in legal fees if a lawsuit results.
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Based on the potential costs, a company probably shouldn't wait for a law to require this training. I worked in healthcare and males reporting sexual harrassment sometimes occurred as well. Sometimes females are clueless since they are accustomed to being the vicitim.
Aside from the potential costs of litigation and damages, companies should also consider the effect of sexual harassment in the workplace. In workplaces where sexual harassment is pervasive and tolerated, employees are also likely to lose morale and this can affect productivity. Sexual harassment training is not just a preventive measure against costs, it is also good for keeping the company cohesive and content.
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