California recently instituted a deadline for all employers to provide anti-sexual harassment training to their employees by Jan. 1, 2021. But the nature of these trainings can often make people feel hesitant to take them. They usually require a commute to some office, or spending a good chunk of their day listening to the trainer at their workplace. But now, a free online training for sexual harassment in California makes the whole process much easier. Employees simply log onto the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing’s website to take the 1-hour course. Afterwards they receive a certificate valid for up to two years before they have to take the training again.
Training Required for All Employers
California law states that employers must have verification that their employees completed a certified training or risk fines. Sexual harassment in California is defined as a form of discrimination based upon sex or gender, gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation which is all outlawed. California law covers businesses with 1 or more employees for harassment, and businesses with 5 or more employees for discrimination. However, Federal law only covers businesses with 15 or more employees from harassment excluding interns, unpaid volunteers, and independent contractors.
This is all a result of Senate Bill 1343 which was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown in 2018. This Bill stated that millions of employers and employees in California may be unaware of their rights and responsibilities under anti-harassment laws. The training is also meant to teach people how to identify and respond to any behavior which may be considered harassment. If an employee has received previous training, they only need to provide their certificate of completion with the date of completion. According to the law, the training can be completed in person, online, or through a webinar, but amidst the Coronavirus pandemic the online option is the easiest.
DFHE Offers Free Online Training Course
For anybody learning about sexual harassment in California, the DFHE has a 1-hour online course available that is completely free. It comes in the form of a slide presentation with audio narration and some interesting videos with famous actors. The many examples shown in the training give a good overall picture of the many forms harassment can take, and what to do about them. The video begins with a synopsis of the current situation in the U.S.:
“Workplaces that tolerate inappropriate, abusive, and demeaning conduct have more of it. Workplaces that do not tolerate inappropriate, abusive, and demeaning conduct have less of it. Harassment harms the workplace and can cause absences, low productivity, low morale and interpersonal conflicts. Harassment in the workplace hurts everyone, not just the person being harassed.”
Among the diverse information offered in this training, there are three facts that stand out. The first is that a Pew Research survey found that about 6 in 10 women report being sexually harassed at some time during their life. And almost 3 in 10 men report being sexually harassed at some time during their life. Also, according to the National Transgender Discrimination Survey, 90% of transgender people taking the survey reported being harassed at or discriminated against at work or hid who they are to avoid mistreatment.
Creating a Culture of Respect
The solutions provided by the DFHE emphasize creating a culture of respect in the workplace:
“Problems in the workplace can start with rude or uncivil behavior that goes unaddressed. Silence equals acceptance to most people. Once this behavior is accepted, it will get worse. Unprofessional behavior can turn into bullying or illegal harassment or assault in the workplace.
Coming forward to report inappropriate or harassing behavior may be difficult. It’s hard to come forward, but only when we speak up can we change the culture of our workplaces to not tolerate uncivil and harassing behavior.”
Above all there must be a community of allies that are ready and willing to step up to any situation where harassment is taking place. The training teaches the proper ways to respond to these situations and the importance of reporting the problem to the appropriate departments and/or people. All we have to do as individuals is speak up, and that’s the first step to empowering those around us to do the same.
Sexual Harassment is a Bad Decision
Harassment is a very real problem that only until recently gained nationwide attention. Following the #MeToo movement, social networks flared up with calls for putting the spotlight on this issue and creating awareness. The training provided by DFEH both teaches both how to identify harassment, and also how to react and be an ally. Any person who is not willing to comply with these guidelines should fear having to meet a sexual harassment lawyer in San Diego-California, who’s likely won millions in settlements over such bad decisions.
It is also important to note that employees, supervisors, and/or employers can be personally liable for damages if sued for sexual harassment. In terms of business organization, this may be one of the most important factors contributing to unsafe spaces. “The National Academies of Sciences Engineering and Medicine study found that the single most important factor in predicting sexual harassment is the organizational climate of the company,” the video continues. “ Companies that promote cultures of respect create a workplace that harassment is less likely to occur in the first place.” Thus, the working atmosphere or climate of any business or company should be analyzed to promote healthy relationships and denounce bad behavior.
“Workplaces that tolerate inappropriate, abusive, and demeaning conduct have more of it. Workplaces that do not tolerate inappropriate, abusive, and demeaning conduct have less of it.”
“Harassment harms the workplace and can cause absences, low productivity, low morale and interpersonal conflicts. Harassment in the workplace hurts everyone, not just the person being harassed.”
This class is required for all workers (who are not supervisors) in California if their workplace has five or more employees. A one hour sexual harassment prevention class must be taken every two years.
Fact 1:
A Pew Research survey found that about 6 in 10 women report being sexually harassed at some time during their life. And almost 3 in 10 men report being sexually harassed at some time during their life. Also, according to the National Transgender Discrimination Survey, 90% of transgender people taking the survey reported being harassed at or discriminated against at work or hid who they are to avoid mistreatment.
Fact 2:
Employees, supervisors, and/or employers can be personally liable for damages if sued for sexual harassment.
Fact 3:
The National Academies of Sciences Engineering and Medicine study found that the single most important factor in predicting sexual harassment is the organizational climate of the company. Companies that “promote cultures of respect” create a workplace “that harassment is less likely to occur in the first place.”
Organization’s climate is key to a healthy and respectful workplace.
Creating a Workplace of Respect
Problems in the workplace can start with rude or uncivil behavior that goes unaddressed. Silence equals acceptance to most people. Once this behavior is accepted, it will get worse. Unprofessional behavior can turn into bullying or illegal harassment or assault in the workplace.
Coming forward to report inappropriate or harassing behavior may be difficult. It’s hard to come forward, but only when we speak up can we change the culture of our workplaces to not tolerate uncivil and harassing behavior.
Rude behavior, excluding, not saying hello or thank you, interrupting, sarcasm, excluding others. Yelling, threats to dismiss or bad review, spreading false rumors, destroying self-esteem, demeaning, patronize or humiliate.
Unwelcome sexual advances or invitations, unwanted touching, groping, pinching or massaging. Demands or threats to submit to sexual requests, offers of employment related benefits in exchange for favors, displaying offensive images, videos, or sexual derogatory comments.
Eliminating these behaviors will help create a workplace of respect.
SPEAK UP
“This makes me uncomfortable, this comment makes me uncomfortable, I don’t like that kind of language.”
As a bystander: distract, direct conversation with harasser, support victim, report talk to supervisor or HR director. Be the ally you’d like to have in the workplace.
Cited Sources