Taking steps to prevent workplace sexual harassment can make a big difference. Employers are required by California law to provide sexual harassment training to their employees. Here’s what to know about sexual harassment training laws in California.
California law requires employers of 5 or more employees to provide 1 hour of sexual harassment prevention training to employees and 2 hours of training to supervisors and managers. The requirements for sexual harassment training require the training programs to cover various topics, including prevention, LGBT inclusion, victim resources, examples of sexual harassment, and supervisory obligations.
Sexual Harassment Training Laws in California
Sexual harassment is illegal under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act. California laws require employers to provide sexual harassment training to employees in order to further prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.
All employers of 5 or more employees must provide sexual harassment prevention training to their employees. Non-supervisory employees must go through 1 hour of training; supervisory and managerial employees must go through 2 hours of training. All employees must undergo sexual harassment prevention training every 2 years.
Related: Sexual Harassment Laws in California
California Sexual Harassment Prevention Training Requirements
California law requires sexual harassment prevention training to address harassment based on sex, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation. The training must fulfill the objectives dictated by California law, which state that the training must:
- Strive to change workplace behaviors that contribute to sexual harassment.
- Provide employees with information about the negative effects of sexual harassment in the workplace.
- Develop and encourage values in supervisory and managerial employees that will help them prevent and respond to incidents of sexual harassment and correct inappropriate behavior.
Additionally, the content of the sexual harassment prevention training must cover the following topics:
- Official FEHA and federal definitions of sexual harassment
- Federal and state law
- Types of conduct that may be considered harassment
- Preventing abuse of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender employees
- Preventing abusive behavior
- Communicating available legal options for victims of harassment and the liability for employers and employees
- Supervisory obligation to report any harassment
- What a supervisor should do if accused of harassment
- Examples of sexual harassment
- Harassment prevention steps
- Explanation of limited confidentiality for a harassment complaint process
- Resources for victims
Related: Types of Sexual Harassment in California
Best Sexual Harassment Prevention Training Programs
Department of Fair Employment and Housing
The DFEH is California’s state agency that handles sexual harassment complaints. They offer a free sexual harassment prevention training program.
Easy Llama
Easy Llama was ranked as a top sexual harassment prevention training program in 2021. The company focuses on sexual harassment prevention training for employers and offers engaging, educational materials.
Inspired eLearning
Inspired eLearning was another top sexual harassment prevention training program of 2021. Inspired eLearning offers programs catered specifically for California training requirements, which helps to ensure that employers cover all necessary information.
FAQs
What are California’s sexual harassment prevention training requirements?
California law requires that sexual harassment prevention training covers harassment based on sex, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation, specific objectives, legal definitions of harassment, examples of inappropriate conduct, preventing abuse of LGBT employees, legal options for victims, victim resources, prevention steps, and more.
California law also requires that supervisors must be trained on their obligation to report and address harassment, prevention steps, and what to do if they are accused of sexual harassment.
What are the best sexual harassment prevention training programs for California?
The best sexual harassment prevention training programs cover all the required topics under California law. The Department of Fair Education and Housing offers a free training program, and Easy Llama and Inspired eLearning offer effective and engaging training programs.
Contact Us
For more information about California’s sexual harassment training laws, contact us. We’ll get you in touch with the most qualified lawyer for your unique legal matter. Get your free consultation with one of our California Workplace Sexual Harassment Attorneys today!