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What topics should I cover at sexual harassment training?

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Sexual harassment training can be done through a video, a booklet, a lecture, role-play scenarios, or any combination of these. To many employees, it may seem silly or stating the obvious, but a little awkwardness now is a small price to pay to prevent sexual harassment.

Perhaps the first thing you should do at sexual harassment training is to clearly define what sexual harassment is. Sexual harassment can include a much wider list of actions than most employees consider. A short list of types of harassment includes:

� Sexually explicit jokes, conversation, or pictures that make others feel uncomfortable

� Demeaning comments about customers or clients made to other co-workers

� Any request for sexual favor

� Any derogatory comments directed at or about co-workers

After defining what sexual harassment is, clarify what the company�s policy is on harassment, and how it will respond to allegations of sexual harassment. This will serve to deter potential offenders and inform potential victims. Consider your audience in preparing training as well�what is their age and life experience? What experience do they have with sexual harassment in the past?

Another good idea is to provide separate and/or additional sexual harassment training for supervisors and managers. While you may not be able to prevent sexual harassment from occurring, you can ensure that supervisors know how to respond to allegations. In addition, one survey reports that forty-three percent of sexual harassment is the act of a supervisor, so it is wise to make sure your managers are especially clear on what constitutes harassment.

Finally, advise your employees that if you�re not sure, don�t do it. While some employees may consider sexual innuendos or jokes harmless or funny, it�s far safer and makes for a much more pleasant workplace to simply avoid potentially dangerous comments or actions.

Next Page: How should I train employees to respond to sexual harassment?

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