Leadership
3 Reasons You Need Anti-Harassment Training
Employee training is the key to driving your desired culture and creating an inclusive work environment. Anti-harassment training provides critical information around preventing, identifying, reporting harassment behavior in the workplace. Here are three reasons why your organization should invest in anti-harassment training this year:
- It increases workplace satisfaction. — As employees feel safe and welcomed in the workplace, they are more inclined to show up to work. This leads to lower turnover rates and will help organizations attract and retain diverse talent. Companies that are known for inclusive, harassment-free cultures are often sought out and enjoy a strong reputation among clients and competitors. This culture also ties into higher rates of productivity and ultimately, leads to a more profitable organization. By providing hands-on training, staff at all levels will be able to properly prevent, identify and report harassment, and ensure all employees can enjoy coming to work.
- It’s the law. — Starting in the 1960s, harassment and discrimination have been illegal throughout the United States. Six states require sexual harassment training for all employees, while many others strongly recommend it. Providing this type of training, especially in these mandatory states, will both protect your organization and ensure that every employee understands the legal implications of breaking your workplace’s policies. Legal cases involving harassment are expensive— costing employers over $698 million between 2010 and 2015— and can be devastating to your long-term reputation.
- It’s the right thing to do. — In addition to financial, talent, and reputation impacts, harassment can lead to mental health problems and affect employee wellbeing. In 2021, employers cannot afford to turn a blind eye to unethical behaviors happening in their workplaces. Employees want to work for organizations that promote a culture of respect and truly value their employees. Employers that take training seriously, provide follow-up resources and go above the minimum requirements send a message that their leadership team will not tolerate harassment. It encourages employees to come forward with concerns, therefore stopping the problem early and protecting everyone in the organization.
Recurring, interactive anti-harassment training and strong anti-discrimination policies benefit everyone in your company and are key to having a safe work environment. For more information about our training programs, please fill out the form below to connect with our HR experts.
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