Annual Training
We are over halfway through the year of 2024! This is a good time to reflect on whether or not your company has conducted its annual training regarding anti-discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace. While it is not legally required in Utah to hold a training on these topics, it is a great protection for your company from liability. Employees who are aware and knowledgeable about the company’s policies against sexual harassment and discrimination are less likely to engage in those behaviors, and it shows that the company cares about these issues and takes them seriously by having consequences in place.
What to include in the training:
- State that discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or genetic information is illegal and will not be tolerated.
- Ensure that employees understand their rights and responsibilities at work.
- Describe your business's policies regarding discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and reasonable accommodation.
- Describe your business's policies and procedures regarding discrimination or harassment questions or complaints.
- Identify who employees should contact to ask questions or to file a complaint.
- Explain how your business investigates and resolves complaints.
- Assure employees that they will not be punished for reporting discrimination or harassment, participating in a discrimination or harassment investigation or lawsuit, or opposing it.
- Explain the consequences of violating your business's non-discrimination policies.
Along with having an annual training, it is essential to include this information in your company handbook for employees to refer to regularly. We would love to add an anti-discrimination and harassment policy to your handbook if it does not already have them.
Let us know if you would like an Employer-Lawyer attorney to conduct your next workplace training!
