"It's that time of year again: Update your handbooks and conduct your harassment training and get it done before the office holiday party. Every employer in New York State, regardless of size, is required to provide harassment training to each of its employees every year. This is not news. What is often unheard of, however, are the many and unexpected ways that you as an employer can end up exposed to liability when you fail to provide that training."
"Dirty jokes, racial slurs, and comments about people's appearance are bases for harassment lawsuits and can be just as much of a problem for employers as physical contact. While under the federal standard (severe and pervasive) such an indiscretion might slide, the New York standard is much lower and sometimes a single comment can be enough to impose liability. Especially if employees are not trained to recognize and address it."
"Actions speak louder than words. But in the sexual harassment arena, they come with the same penalties. And while people have the right to enjoy themselves, seemingly innocent behavior can go too far fast and staff needs to know those limits, the consequences, and their affirmative obligations to intervene, under the law. This is also important because, as mentioned below, their behavior impacts those witnessing it,"
New York employers of every size must provide yearly harassment training to all employees and update handbooks accordingly. Alcohol at holiday parties can lower inhibitions and lead to harassing speech or conduct, including dirty jokes, racial slurs, comments about appearance, unwanted touching, and provocative dancing. The New York legal standard for harassment is lower than the federal standard, meaning a single comment can create liability. Staff must know behavioral limits, consequences, and affirmative obligations to intervene. Regular training improves recognition, reporting, and employer defenses against liability arising from workplace social events.
Read at www.amny.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]