Harassment prevention training reminders

California employers with five or more employees (total, not just in California) are required to provide harassment prevention training every other year. This includes temporary or seasonal employees that will be working for at least 30 days. 

What training do I need to provide? 

Employees in a supervisory role will need to attend a two-hour training session. Employees in a non-supervisory role will need to attend a one-hour training session. Employers also have the option to have all employees attend the two-hour course. 

Who needs to provide the training? 

A compliant training session is presented by a “qualified trainer.” Generally speaking, a qualified trainer is an employment attorney, an in-house human resource professional, or a professor at a college or law school. There are additional requirements so be sure to reach out to your consulting team with specific questions. 

How long do I have to provide the training to new employees?

You have a window of six months. This applies to newly hired employees as well as newly promoted employees. New employees must be trained no later than six months from their date of hire. Employees who are promoted into a supervisory role that have not yet received the two-hour training must receive the proper training within six months from their date of promotion. 

How do I keep a record of providing training? 

Each employee should receive a certificate of completion and a copy should be stored in their personnel file. As the employer, you should also maintain copies of the material that was presented (copy of the slides, copies of the pamphlets) and a copy of the sign in sheet.  

What do I need to do now? 

If you trained all of your employees in 2020, then you are due for training again. Reach out to your consulting team for information on in-person or virtual training options.