Last Updated on September 29, 2020

Despite the deadline changes that have occurred with
the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the California anti-harassment
training is still set for January 1, 2021.

Many employers put off the training in early 2020, due to COVID-19 stay-at-home orders and hoped by summer they could reschedule. Because in-person training continues to be difficult, many employers thought the governor might further extend the deadline. This is not the case. The deadline still stands, steadfast as January 1, 2021.

In 2018, California law extended anti-harassment training requirements to employers with five employees or more and mandated that non-supervisors also receive such training, in addition to supervisors. California law requires employers with five or more employees to provide one hour of sexual-harassment-prevention training to nonsupervisory employees and two hours of sexual-harassment-prevention training to supervisors and managers. This interactive training must occur every two years and must include prevention of abusive conduct as a component, among several other topics required to be covered.

At this point, neither the California Legislature nor the governor has made any moves to extend the deadline for compliance despite the ongoing pandemic.

While providing employees in-person training may not be feasible, the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing allows for training to occur live in a classroom, online, or any other effective, interactive format. Training may be completed by employees individually or as part of a group presentation and may be completed in segments as long as the total hourly requirement is met.

Give managers the resources they need to handle sexual harassment incidences

Supplementing effective sexual harassment training for executives and managers with a program such as HRCompli E-Learn. Also using Managers HR HelpLine – one staffed with a knowledgeable, HR expert that managers can call for practical step-by-step guidance and suggestions as situations arise. We also offer sexual harassment courses for employers and staff through HR Compli E-Learn. Regardless of how training is completed, employers should remember to retain records of all employees’ training for a minimum of two years.

For more information regarding  HrCompli E-Learn, HR policies, or other HR needs, contact MyHRConcierge at
1-855-538-6947 x.108 or email ccooley@myhrconcierge.com.