The prevention of workplace harassment is important for businesses of every size. Anti-harassment policies provide workers with piece of mind, and enable them to perform duties without fear or anxiety. When considering the value or training vs. the cost, consider that a comfortable workplace free of harassment promotes happy and productive employees which positively affects a company’s bottom-line.
In the cases of Faragher v. City of Boca Raton, 524 U.S. 775 (1998), and Burlington Industries v. Ellerth, 524 U.S. 742 (1998), the U.S. Supreme Court made several statements and recommendations. To protect employees and company liability, managers and employees must be trained in harassment prevention, report and investigate incidents, and take corrective steps if warranted.
Harassment is not limited to that of a sexual nature. Bullying and intimidation, disparaging remarks, actions, and gestures are only a few examples of what constitutes a hostile work environment. Harassment may also be based on an individual’s appearance, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, and other personal views.
AB 1825, AB 2053, SB 1343, SB 396, AB 1661
Organization Size Hurdle:
5 or more employees
Who Must Be Trained:
All Employees and supervisors, including temporary employees
Frequency:
Every 2 years / within 6 months of hire or promotion
Required Duration:
Employees: 1 hour Supervisors: 2 hours
Other Notes:
Must complete by 01/01/20
Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, Sections 46a-54-200 – 46a-54-207
Organization Size Hurdle:
50 or more employees
Who Must Be Trained: All supervisory employees
Frequency: Suggested every 3 years
Required Duration: 2 hours
Other Notes: In effect since 1993
HB 360
Organization Size Hurdle:
50 or more employees in Delaware
Who Must Be Trained:
All employees and supervisory employees
Frequency:
Every 2 years
Required Duration:
Not stated
Other Notes:
Effective 01/01/19, must be completed by 12/31/19. Supervisors require additional training.
Maine Revised Statutes, sec 807, & sec 806, Title 26, Chapter 7, Subchapter 4-B
Organization Size Hurdle:
15 or more employees
Who Must Be Trained:
All Employees and Supervisors
Frequency:
Not stated
Required Duration:
Not stated
Other Notes:
Supervisors require additional training.
NY state budget, Part KK, Subpart E, section 2, & Stop Sexual Harassment in New York City Act (Local law 96)
Organization Size Hurdle:
Every employer (NY State); 15 or more employees (NYC)
Who Must Be Trained:
NY State: “All workers, including part-time, seasonal, and temporary. NYC: employees who work at least 80 hours in a calendar year and work for at least 90 days. This includes independent contractors.
Frequency:
Every year
Required Duration:
n/a
Other Notes:
Must be complete by 10/09/19 (New York State); by 12/31/19 and then every calendar year (NYC)
