Deadline ahead for mandatory harassment prevention training

Sexual harassment in the workplace can be very expensive!

A Message From Our CEO Nancy Lindholm

​Sexual harassment prevention training is not an option – it's the law. Employers must take reasonable steps to prevent harassment. Every California employer with five or more employees is required to provide every worker with prevention training.

A work culture that tolerates harassment not only incurs legal risks (along with legal fees and costs), but also creates other problems including:

• an unpleasant work environment;
• decreased productivity;
• morale issues;
• attendance problems; and
• negative publicity and damage to your organization's reputation and credibility, which can extend to your ability to recruit and retain talent.

Take this quick quiz (from the California Chamber of Commerce) to test your understanding of your responsibilities for providing sexual harassment prevention ​​training. ​

1. Which employers must comply with California's sexual harassment prevention training?
   a. California companies with five (5) or more employees
   b. Only private sector companies
   c. All California companies
2. Which employees must receive sexual harassment prevention training?
   a. All employees
   b. Only supervisors and managers
3. How often do I need to provide this training?
   a. Every year
   b. Every two years
   c. Whenever I feel like it
4. I can pick pretty much any type of training course to comply with the law, right?
   a. Yes
   b. No
5. I see all sorts of advertisements for trainers. Am I free to choose whichever trainer I like best?
   a. Yes
   b. No

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How did you do?
​

1. Answer: California companies with five (5) or more employees - All California companies with five (5) or more employees must provide sexual harassment prevention training.
2. Answer: All employees - California law now requires sexual harassment prevention training to be provided to all employees. Supervisors must receive at least two hours of training, and nonsupervisorial employees must receive at least one hour of training.  
3. Answer: Every two years
4. Answer: No - The law specifies certain types of information that must be included in the training, as well as minimum standards for the trainer and interactivity requirements. You must ensure that the training you use meets the content requirements.  
5. Answer: No - Only trainers with very specific credentials may legally conduct sexual harassment prevention training. You must make sure to use properly credentialed training professionals.

 
Harassment prevention training for all supervisors and employees is required in California (for companies with five or more employees). Training is an essential component of any harassment prevention program – especially when combined with company leadership on these issues. Those at the top level of company management must not only set the proper tone, but also dedicate the necessary time and resources to meet their prevention obligation and ensure their efforts are effective.
 
Training must be completed by January 1, 2020 or within six months of hiring a new employee. However, there is no need to wait! Harassment prevention training now can help avoid a potential claim.

​The Oxnard Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the California Chamber to provide easy, affordable training for workers and supervisors.
 
Order your online training today! You will receive a 20% discount when you purchase through this link.

You will have to create a CalChamber store account, but you are not required to become a preferred member. The Oxnard Chamber 20% discount will be applied during checkout.