Training employees on workplace harassment goes hand in hand with having strong workplace policies. Employees should be keenly aware of what does and does not constitute harassment, so that they know when to report genuine incidents but also know not to report simple examples of performance management feedback.
Most importantly out of the training is that employees should know how they can safely and confidentially report any incidents of harassment, especially knowing that any such reports will be investigated as required by policy. For decades employees had been concerned about coming forward about such incidents, especially when sexual in nature, for fear that it would not be dealt with or taken seriously. Having a thorough policy in place, training employees on such policy, and holding to that policy is one of the best ways that employers can protect themselves from being accused of mishandling any incidents that do arise.
