Harassment Training for All Employees Is Best Practice
Most employers understand the importance of on-the-job training for staff. They spend time and money to make sure employees know how to do their jobs. But what about training that educates employees about acceptable behavior in the workplace? Most likely you understand that the law requires companies to provide harassment training. Read on to find out why it should be a best practice for every business.
How Do you Define Sexual Harassment?
This topic is everywhere today from various social movements to discussions in the break room. Even though sexual harassment is sometimes discussed casually, not everyone understands how it’s viewed in the workplace. Maybe your employer hasn’t yet introduced workplace harassment training in New York and you’d like to ensure your own understanding of the subject. According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), “Harassment can include “sexual harassment” or unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature.” It’s important to understand that simply making offensive comments about a person’s gender is illegal. Not understanding fully is no excuse and that’s why employers are required to provide training to every employee.
Is Training Worth the Effort?
No one wants to work in a hostile environment. Employees should be able to expect a safe and comfortable work environment where they use their skills to contribute to the success of the company. Sexual harassment on the job creates a hostile environment where people feel intimidated. A hostile workplace sets the tone for communication breakdown, poor productivity, and absenteeism. Training ensures each employee is aware of what behaviors constitute sexual harassment. Implementing employee harassment training in New York also means staff should understand what to do if they feel harassed. Training programs show employees how to prevent harassment as well giving them a feeling of empowerment.
Benefits of Sexual Harassment Training
An empowered workforce is typically more productive and better able to contribute to company growth. When employees feel safe and comfortable in their work environment they tend to take less time off from work due to stress. Harassment training isn’t just effective for staff, management benefits from training too. An effective training program educates those in management positions on what to look for and how to deal quickly with harassment complaints. When a company ignores complaints or avoids dealing with employees who display harassing behavior the company risks legal issues. If the company is based in New York the responsibility is on the company to protect not only employees but anyone who is on company property. Why risk a lawsuit? If sexual harassment training for employees in New York is made to be a best practice it will help protect the right of every employee to work in a safe and comfortable environment. By having a program in place, you also protect your business.
Make this the year you establish a positive culture for your workplace. Contact Impact Compliance Training to discuss how you can introduce an effective workplace harassment training program for your business.