States that require Sexual Harassment Training in 2024

Did you know that employers must provide sexual harassment training each year? Sexual harassment training has become a crucial component of workplace compliance. With increasing cases of sexual harassment, several states in the U.S. have mandated this training to ensure compliance and protection for workers. Also, the penalties for violating the regulations could reach up to $5,000 per violation if employers do not comply with the requirements. 

A few benefits of sexual harassment training include: 

• Ensures employees understand what sexual harassment is and how it will be handled if it occurs in the workplace 

• Minimizes liability and the negative consequences of sexual harassment 

• Protects the employer’s right to assert an affirmative defense against hostile work environment claims 

Here’s a list of states that require sexual harassment training and what employers need to know:  

California 

Employers with five or more employees. Independent contractors, volunteers, and unpaid interns must be counted when determining whether an employer meets the threshold of five employees; however, such individuals are not required to receive training. 

Training requirements: Every two years, employers must provide employees with two hours for supervisory employees and one hour for all nonsupervisory employees. The training must be in a classroom setting with an in-person trainer or use another method that is interactive and effective (for example, webinar or e-learning training). For more information, read here.  

Connecticut 

Employers with three or more employees must provide training to all employees. Fewer than three employees must provide training to supervisors only. This required training must be provided to employees within six months of their hire date. 

Training requirements: Training may be conducted by an employee or provided by an outside resource that agrees to conduct the training, paid or unpaid. Covered employers must provide periodic supplemental training to supervisory and nonsupervisory employees at least every 10 years. For more information, read here.  

Delaware 

Employers with 50 or more employees (employee count does not include applicants or independent contractors). New employees must be trained within one year of employment and every two years after. 

Training requirements: The training and education must be interactive. As well covering the illegality of sexual harassment, definitions and examples, and directions on how to contact the Delaware Department of Labor. For more information, read here.  

District of Columbia 

Employers of tipped employees must provide sexual harassment training with 90 days of hire unless they received the required training from an OHR-approved trainer in the last two years. 

Training requirements: Training must include how to respond to, intervene in, and prevent sexual harassment by coworkers, management, and patrons. Training must be presented by a provider certified by the DC Office of Human Rights (OHR). For more information, read here. 

Illinois  

All employers with employees working in Illinois. In addition, all bars and restaurants must offer additional supplemental sexual harassment policies and prevention training. 

Training requirements: Must include the definition and examples of sexual harassment, a summary of federal and state laws addressing sexual harassment, including available remedies for victims of harassment. Specific conduct, activities, or videos related to the industry. For more information, read here. 

Maine 

Employers with 15 or more employees must provide training to all new employees within one year of beginning employment. Additional requirements for supervisory and managerial employees within one year of beginning employment. 

Training requirements: The training and education must be interactive. As well covering the illegality of sexual harassment, definitions and examples, and directions on how to contact the Maine Human Right Commission. For more information, read here.  

New York 

Employers in the state of New York must provide sexual harassment training to all employees. This includes all workers, regardless of immigration status, exempt or nonexempt employees, part-time workers, seasonal workers, and temporary workers. The New York Division of Human Rights (NYDHR)advises employers to train new employees “as soon as possible.” 

Training requirements: The training must be interactive. It may be online if it is interactive. It may not consist only of watching a training video or reading a document with no feedback mechanism or interaction. For more information, read here. 

Virginia 

Public contractors with a government contract of over $10,000 and five or more employees must provide sexual harassment training annually. All employees performing services in Virginia, except for those who are required to complete sexual harassment training provided by the Virginia Department of Human Resources Management. For more information, read here.  

Washington

Every hotel, motel, retail, security guard entity, or property service contractor with one or more employees. 

Training requirements: The law requires covered employers to provide mandatory training to managers, supervisors, and employees to educate and prevent harassment in the workplace. For more information, read here.  

Let HireLevel Help with your Sexual Harassment Training

Is your business up to date with sexual harassment training requirements? At HireLevel, we specialize in providing comprehensive and compliant sexual harassment training solutions tailored to your organization’s needs. Stay ahead of regulations and foster a respectful workplace environment effortlessly. 

Discover how HireLevel can support your compliance journey today! Contact us for a consultation. 

Together, let’s build a workplace culture where respect and compliance go hand in hand. 

P.S Check out our YouTube channel to learn more HR compliance tips!

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