State-Specific Harassment Training [+ More]

Do you know all the rules for regulating inappropriate behavior in the United States workplace? You may need to think twice before saying yes! State and regional anti-harassment training requirements mean that federal laws are just the starting point. Each state (and even some cities, such as New York City) has its own unique set of specific requirements, demanding a tailored approach to compliance training that aligns perfectly with local regulations. 

Anti-harassment compliance training is a good example of this. The specific laws covering anti-harassment policies in the workplace look different in, say, California than in Rhode Island. HSI helps many companies with state- and city-specific content for anti-harassment training to comply with the specific requirements. Employment discrimination training is another good example. 

How Is State-Specific Anti-Harassment Training Different from HR Compliance Training? 

A state-specific anti-harassment training program focuses on the unique harassment-related laws and regulations of each state, whereas HR Compliance training covers a broad spectrum of employment-related laws and company policies. 

What Is the Purpose of State-Specific Anti-Harassment Training? 

A state-specific training program aims to educate employees about their specific state's harassment laws and practices. Such training helps companies create a respectful and compliant work environment. Training often includes forms of harassment and detailed guidance on handling workplace harassment issues under local regulations. Please take note that this training is not just for new employees. 

Additionally, all states are required to abide by the federal standards enforced by the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment Commission (EEOC). State-specific training promotes their efforts and covers the relevant information for both local and federal jurisdictions. 

What States and Cities Currently Have Sexual Harassment Training Requirements? 

First off, what exactly is the definition of sexual harassment? Sexual harassment includes a range of behaviors, from unwelcome flirtation to sexual assault. It can involve actions, comments, or behaviors that create a hostile or intimidating environment. Harassment doesn’t have to be of a sexual nature. It can include offensive generalizations, comments, or jokes about a person’s sex. 

These states and cities currently have specific sexual harassment training requirements: 

• States: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington 
• Cities: Chicago, New York City 

Beyond this list, other federal, state government, and local laws, regulations, and court decisions indicate that employers should ensure all employees, in all states, understand their rights and responsibilities by providing anti-harassment training. 

Why Are Anti-Harassment Mandatory Training Requirements Complicated? 

  Navigating state laws around mandatory training can be complex due to the sheer volume of regulations. Determining which state employees must complete training adds another layer of complexity, as requirements vary significantly by role. For instance, managers may have unique training requirements. Independent contractors and seasonal employees may have their own set of requirements in your state. And are your state's laws different for private employers vs. public companies? As you can see, training requirements are not straight forward. 

Meanwhile, all employees in all industries can benefit from annual refresher training that focuses on: 

• Explanation of sexual harassment 
• Examples of abusive conduct that constitutes unlawful sexual harassment 
• Summary of federal and state statutes, including remedies available to victims 
• Summary of employer responsibilities for preventing, investigating, and correcting sexual harassment 

Further, the EEOC recommends that all employees who work in restaurants and bars must have an industry-specific sexual harassment prevention training program that’s available in both English and Spanish. 

How Does Anti-Harassment Training Help Your Culture? 

Building a workplace free of harassment is everyone’s responsibility and requires knowledge, commitment, and vigilance. Effective training empowers employees and managers at all levels with the skills to identify harassment and react effectively. Training teaches employees how to identify harassment, what bystander intervention means, and what to do if they are the target of harassment. 

Through effective anti-harassment training learners deeply understand what constitutes harassment and how to respond by fostering a safe workplace culture. 

HSI Can Help with State-Specific Anti-Harassment Training! 

Is your head spinning? Are you overwhelmed trying to grasp the differences between California law and New York State law? Don’t fret... we are the subject matter experts in advising companies on what required training is needed, how frequently, how many hours of training, and specifically who in your organization must take the training. Our training meets all state-specific mandatory training requirements.  

HSI is your single-source provider! We have online training for everyone required to take it and can help you set up best practices. We’re here from the initial training and on. 

HSI’s online training  state-specific anti-harassment training courses. 

HSI Can Help You Take State-Specific Anti-Harassment Training a Step Further 

HSI’s Harassment Prevention and Respectful Workplace suite of training embraces a human-centered approach engaging learners through scenarios and actionable takeaways that foster understanding, empathy, and respect.  

Transform your Harassment Prevention Training with HSI—designed specifically with today’s team-centric workforce in mind. Go beyond compliance and turn training into a strategic tool that fosters safer, more inclusive workplaces. Our immersive, engaging learning experience empowers non-supervisory employees and leaders alike to build a culture of respect and accountability. 

Key features include:  

• Video-based training replicates in-person dynamics with engaging presenters and impactful animations, seamlessly maximizing focus and comprehension to enhance retention and drive learning. Want to get the idea of our HR Compliance training videos? Our free videos include Avoiding Discrimination, Fair Labor and Standards Act for Employees, and Working Well with Everyone. 
• Scenario-driven, real-world learning immerses employees in relatable, scenario-based content that emulates real-life situations. This practical, storytelling approach makes the material actionable and unforgettable, ensuring employees can easily apply what they’ve learned in the workplace. 
• On-demand supplemental resources provide employees with continuous learning opportunities and valuable content anytime, anywhere. 
• A diverse range of engagement strategies fulfills mandatory training requirements. 

Watching these types of courses can be mentally exhausting. To help reduce learner fatigue, organizations can alternate which modality is assigned to employees each year. HSI updates our content regularly and by alternating the modalities on an annual basis, the likelihood of seeing new content is high. 

HSI’s principal training courses include: 

• Harassment Prevention and the Respectful Workplace 
• The Manager’s Role in Harassment Prevention and the Respectful Workplace 
• The Bystander’s Role in Harassment Prevention 

HSI provides additional training that delves deeper into key topics within harassment prevention and fosters a respectful workplace, with the option to support states that require specific training durations. Our additional training includes: 

• Anti-Discrimination: Protected Classes and the Inclusive Workplace 
• Civility in the Workplace 
• Five Keys to Preventing Workplace Discrimination 
• Retaliation 
• Workplace Bullying for Employees 
• Workplace Bullying for Supervisors 
  

Change Your Culture 

Please don’t look at these trainings with a “checkbox” mentality. Workplace harassment and discrimination are widespread problems. The issue with the checkbox mentality is that it doesn’t stop these problems. Doing the bare minimum has not prevented inappropriate behavior, such as discrimination because of one’s sex, race, disability, or age. That’s more reason to put good, quality anti-harassment and anti-discrimination training in place. 

Take the necessary steps and comply to avoid legal recourse and liabilities. Contact us to learn more. 

Additional Information 

• How to Make Compliance Training Memorable 
• Why Compliance Training is More Than a Checkbox 
• A Comprehensive Guide to Anti-Harassment Training Programs