Employment Law

CA DFEH Harassment Training Requirements

Learn about California's DFEH harassment training requirements and ensure compliance for your business

Introduction to CA DFEH Harassment Training

The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) requires employers to provide harassment training to their employees. This training is mandatory for all employers with five or more employees and must be completed within six months of hire and every two years thereafter.

The training must include information on the definition of harassment, the types of harassment, and the procedures for reporting and investigating harassment complaints. Employers must also provide training on bystander intervention and how to create a respectful workplace culture.

Who Must Receive Harassment Training

All employees, including supervisors and managers, must receive harassment training. This includes full-time, part-time, and temporary employees, as well as independent contractors and interns.

Employers must also provide training to new employees within six months of hire and to all employees every two years thereafter. This ensures that all employees are aware of the company's harassment policies and procedures and know how to report and prevent harassment.

What Topics Must Be Covered in Harassment Training

The DFEH requires that harassment training cover specific topics, including the definition of harassment, the types of harassment, and the procedures for reporting and investigating harassment complaints.

The training must also include information on bystander intervention, how to create a respectful workplace culture, and the consequences of harassment. Employers must also provide training on how to prevent harassment and how to respond to harassment complaints.

How to Provide Harassment Training

Employers can provide harassment training in a variety of formats, including in-person training, online training, and video training. The training must be interactive and include opportunities for employees to ask questions and engage in discussions.

Employers must also ensure that the training is provided by a qualified trainer who has expertise in harassment prevention and response. The trainer must also be knowledgeable about the company's harassment policies and procedures.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Employers who fail to provide harassment training may face consequences, including fines and penalties. The DFEH may also impose penalties on employers who fail to comply with the training requirements.

In addition to fines and penalties, employers who fail to provide harassment training may also face lawsuits from employees who have been subjected to harassment. Employers must take the training requirements seriously and ensure that all employees receive the required training.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of CA DFEH harassment training?

The purpose of CA DFEH harassment training is to educate employees on the definition of harassment, the types of harassment, and the procedures for reporting and investigating harassment complaints.

Who is required to receive harassment training?

All employees, including supervisors and managers, must receive harassment training, as well as new employees within six months of hire and all employees every two years thereafter.

What topics must be covered in harassment training?

The training must cover the definition of harassment, the types of harassment, and the procedures for reporting and investigating harassment complaints, as well as bystander intervention and creating a respectful workplace culture.

How often must harassment training be provided?

Harassment training must be provided to new employees within six months of hire and to all employees every two years thereafter.

What are the consequences of non-compliance?

Employers who fail to provide harassment training may face fines and penalties, as well as lawsuits from employees who have been subjected to harassment.

Can online training be used to satisfy the harassment training requirement?

Yes, online training can be used to satisfy the harassment training requirement, as long as it is interactive and includes opportunities for employees to ask questions and engage in discussions.