Wed, 12/23/2020
In 2019, California enacted legislation requiring most employers to provide anti-harassment training to their employees by January 1, 2021. The deadline for compliance is looming.
By the new year, California private and public sector employers, with at least five employees, must have provided two hours of anti-harassment training to supervisory employees, and one hour of training to nonsupervisory employees. Going forward, employers must provide the training once every two years. New employees must receive the training within six months of hire, and new supervisory employees must receive it within six months of assuming their positions.
The training must include information and practical guidance regarding federal and state laws concerning the prohibition against, and the prevention and correction of sexual harassment, and the remedies available to victims of sexual harassment in employment. The training also must cover the prevention of abusive conduct, and harassment based on gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation. Furthermore, the training must be presented by trainers or educators with knowledge and expertise in the prevention of harassment, discrimination, and retaliation.
The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing has the authority to enforce the law by seeking court orders against noncompliant employers. The agency has developed a free online training course, which satisfies the law’s requirements. It also has published guidance, which is available in several languages, for employees seeking more information about the law.
For more information about employee rights with respect to workplace harassment, see our resources at #MeToo in the Workplace. If you believe that you have experienced unlawful workplace harassment, please contact us.
