Mandatory Harassment Training in California: What Small Business Owners Need to Know
November 16, 2024
As most Mammoth Lakes Chamber of Commerce members are small to mid-sized businesses, this article aims to educate members about employer risks and liabilities in California.
Guest blog article writer Clarissa Pinto Ribeiro, HR Advisor, Founder CPR Consulting, Planning & Recruiting
Welcoming New Employees
With the shoulder season ending and many businesses welcoming new employees ahead of winter, it’s essential to include state-mandated requirements in your new hire checklist. California continues to shift social responsibilities onto employers, such as mandatory retirement programs and workplace violence prevention plans. Staying up to date on these legal requirements is crucial to avoiding fines and lawsuits, which can be particularly damaging for small businesses.
Harassment Prevention Law
California law requires that employers with five or more employees provide harassment prevention training to all staff. Supervisors and non-supervisory employees have specific training requirements, which must be completed every two years. New hires and newly promoted supervisors must be trained within their first six months in the position. These requirements, outlined in SB 1343 and SB 778, aim to promote awareness and education among our workforce, foster respectful workplaces and mitigate harassment risks. Non-compliance not only increases a business’ liability in harassment claims but could also raise insurance premiums if training and policies aren’t offered and/or outlined in an Employee Handbook.
Free Training Available
Compliance doesn’t have to break the bank. Free training is available through the California Civil Rights Department - share this link (https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/shpt/) with your team, and be sure to save a copy of the certificate of completion for each employee in their personnel files. Employers must compensate employees for the time spent completing the training. However, understanding and implementing these requirements is just the start. Employers must also address other compliance essentials, such as displaying updated federal and state workplace posters. These posters outline employees' rights and must be placed in a location accessible to all employees, such as a shared kitchen or a break room. The Mammoth Lakes Chamber offers 2025 compliance posters at discounted rates for members.
About Clarissa
Founder of CPR Consulting, Planning & Recruiting, she specializes in providing customized HR solutions for small and mid-sized businesses without internal HR teams. A new Chamber member, CPR partners with the Chamber to offer members their first hour of service free. Clarissa emphasizes that compliance is an opportunity to enhance workplace culture and boost team while reducing risks. For support in items like these or other HR matters, she’s ready to help your business thrive!
