Sexual Harassment Training Mandated by the State of California

The regulations require that employers with more than 50 employees provide supervisors with 2 hours of interactive sexual harassment training and education every 2 years. The regulations are still working through the administrative process but are expected to become effective February 1, 2007.

The regulation carry a broad definition of “Supervisor” that includes anyone with the authority to hire, adjust compensation, transfer, suspend, lay off, recall, promote, discharge, assign, reward, or discipline other employees. An employee with any of these duties is a supervisor even if they are formally designated as such by the business.

Employers with close to 50 employees need to be careful of these regulations since the regulations also contain a broad definition of an employee, which possibly brings some independent contractors into the employee count. YPP advises any employer that is close to this limit to consult with a Human Resource or Legal professional to determine the proper employee count based on this regulation’s definition.

The regulations require those conducting the training to be experienced trainers and experts in the field. The trainer must have practical experience in harassment, discrimination, and retaliation training, and knowledge of relevant California and federal laws. While not specifically required, YPP recommends that businesses only use Certified Professionals in Human Resources or Legal Professionals that specialize in Employment Law to comply with this law.

The regulations do not require employers with less than 50 employees to provide this training but YPP advises those employers consider providing the training to their supervisors regardless of their size. By providing the training beyond the requirement of the law it helps to demonstrate the employer’s commitment to their policies prohibiting sexual harassment in the workplace. This is not a defense but it does demonstrate management’s support of the policies and is an action demonstrating a good faith effort.

YPP provides regulatory complaint training delivered via an Interactive Webinar. A Webinar is an Internet based seminar that provides a live instruction delivered in your business on the desktop of the individual needing the course. This process saves travel and facility costs making it the most cost effective delivery. Beyond this Webinars provide documentation of the training and a high level of student engagement with the course.

YPP provides regulatory complaint training on a regular basis as part of its PEO an HRO services. This training is no cost to YPP clients, simply calls your HR Manager to schedule. Non-clients can contact YPP at info@ypp.com for details on how we can provide this service to your organization.