How can sexual harassment training in the workplace protect my company from liability in Wisconsin?
- Implement a strong policy explicitly prohibiting harassment, including a description of disciplinary consequences that will be applied.
- Provide training to educate employees on the issue of harassment and periodically remind them of your strong desire to maintain a harassment free workplace.
Sexual harassment training in the workplace is highly recommended for private employers, as workplace sexual harassment training can help an employer avoid costly lawsuits and reduce liability to the employer. An employer is responsible for its own actions and those of its agents regardless of whether the acts were authorized or even forbidden by the employer, and regardless of whether the employer knew or should have known of those acts. For more on sexual harassment and liability, visit the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Web Page.
The EEOC is the federal governing body that describes and enforces sexual harassment and discrimination laws. Read more at (EEOC Harassment). According to the EEOC, sexual harassment and other forms of employment discrimination violate Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, (ADEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, (ADA).
There are a number of steps the EEOC recommends that employers take to reduce their chances of liability for sexual harassment claims.
- Implementing a strong and well understood sexual harassment policy.
- Providing a robust sexual harassment training program for training employees and supervisors.
- Establishing an effective complaint and grievance process, within which the employees do not have to fear retaliation.
- An employer should act Immediately to investigate any complaint or grievance.
- The employer should take immediate steps such as disciplinary action to stop harassment.
- Employees should be encouraged to confront the harasser directly and inform them that the conduct is inappropriate as well as informing management and Human Resources.
Sexual Harassment Training Tip: Prevention is the BEST tool.
By ensuring that employees understand and are well trained in workplace sexual harassment policies, employers can greatly reduce their chances of being liable for monetary damages in sexual harassment cases.
Our onsite Sexual Harassment training seminars are also available in the following Wisconsin hotels:
Green Bay
Hampton Inn Green Bay
201 Main St.
Green Bay, Wi, 54301Kenosha
Hampton Inn Kenosha
7300 125th Ave.
Kenosha, WI, 53142
Madison
Courtyard Madison East
2502 Crossroads Dr.
Madison, WI, 53718Milwaukee
Springhill Suites Milwaukee
744 N. 4th St.
Milwaukee, WI, 53203