About this course

Why is workplace harassment training important?

Every employee, regardless of their role or position, deserves to be treated with dignity and respect in the workplace. Harassment of any kind should not be tolerated whether employees work at a fixed location, at home, or on the move. Harassment in all its different forms can damage an employee’s mental and physical health and negatively impact workplace culture and productivity.

Employers in the UK have a legal responsibility to protect staff from harassment and sexual harassment in the work environment. They must do everything they reasonably can to protect staff from harassment and take steps to prevent it from happening.

From October 2024, employers in the UK have to comply with a new duty to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment of employees. This follows the passing of the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023. An employer is liable for harassment committed by workers in the course of their employment unless they can rely on the ‘reasonable steps’ defence. A tribunal will consider the reasonableness of an employer in terms of how they have acted and the steps they have taken to avoid and prevent harassment of their workers. Under the Act, tribunals will have the power to increase compensation by up to 25% if it finds that an employer has breached this duty.

Who needs workplace harassment training?   

In their ‘Sexual Harassment and Harassment at Work’ guidance, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) advise that organisations should train staff on their rights and responsibilities in relation to harassment. This includes explaining the kind of behaviour that constitutes harassment and how staff can recognise and address unacceptable behaviour in the work environment through active bystander intervention.

They advise that workplace harassment training is completed on day one of employment and then refreshed regularly to ensure all staff are made aware of how to recognise and address unacceptable behaviour. Carrying out up-to-date training will help members of staff avoid the threat of harassment and give those who witness harassment (bystanders) the means to safely intervene or support victims. It also gives individuals the confidence to make a complaint if they feel they have been harassed. Every individual in the workplace has a role to play in promoting a safe, respectful culture free from harassment.

How long does this workplace harassment training take?   

The course will take no longer than 45 minutes to complete including an assessment.  Each member of staff will receive their own personalised certificate upon successful completion. 

Price