Law changing regarding sexual harassment training

If you are an employer, a professional practice owner, business owner – or even a “mom and pop shop” you need to be aware of a significant change in the laws regarding sexual harassment training of your employees.

Although for years I’ve been saying “it only takes two people” to have a complaint of harassment, some employers have failed to train their staff because up until January of 2020 the law demanded training only if you had 50 or more employees.

As of January 1, 2020 any company with 5 or more employees must offer a full two hour training to prevent harassment, discrimination, bullying, or abuse – sexual or otherwise.

The #Metoo movement has had a powerful impact on this issue.  People active in this movement are determined to protect us all from sexual misconduct.  They now have the law on their side.

SO, I strongly urge you to make sure all your employees are trained.  There are several options available to you.  If at all possible, have a face-to-face training.  That’s the best because when I do them they are highly interactive with lots of group discussion and role-playing.  People really come away understanding the issues – and not wanting to hurt others – they start to behave more courteously and professionally.

Your second alternative is to go to Illumeo and purchase on-demand courses for your employees.  I’ve created a few different training programs.  One is one hour – which will be obsolete by the beginning of 2020 and the other is a two hour training for staff.  That’s the one you will want.  There is also a two hour training for supervisors. Managers and owners. 

Please don’t wait for a complaint to lead to ill-feelings and a lawsuit.  Train your people as soon as possible – and every other year thereafter.

Contact me for more information:  ArLyne@DiamondAssociates.net and for on-line training, contact Joh Kogan:  Jkogan01@Illumeo.com.