New York Sexual Harassment Training

Sexual harassment in New York is defined as unwelcome behavior based on sex, gender, or characteristics associated with either that creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive work environment. Sexual harassment in New York can occur between a supervisor and an employee, between coworkers, or even by outside parties such as clients or vendors. Quid pro quo sexual harassment where employment-related decisions are conditioned on the employee's submission to unwelcome sexual advances or behavior is also prohibited.

Under the New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL) and the New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL), employees are entitled to work in an environment that is safe and respectful. Moreover, employers have specific obligations including: conducting sexual harassment training at least once every calendar year, providing reporting options for employees upon receiving an allegation of sexual harassment, making a meaningful investigation after receiving a report, and providing reasonable safeguards to protect employees from retaliation.

Employees should report the incident through the employer's internal reporting system to Human Resources or to an employee supervisor designated to take complaints. Employees can also report sexual harassment to governmental entities such as the New York State Division of Human Rights or other administrative agencies. It may be helpful to write down what occurred, including the date and time, and names of any witnesses to help ensure your complaint is addressed according to policy.

Examples of unwelcomed conduct where sexual harassment is prohibited can include:Sexual comments or jokes, verbal or written.

Unwelcomed touching, including unwanted advances.

Inappropriate text messages, emails, or online messages, or inappropriate photographs or images.

Retaliation for reporting sexual harassment.

Any other conduct that violates this policy by any employee which creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive work environment.

Bystander intervention empowers employees to recognize harassment and safely intervene, support affected colleagues, or report concerns. Training encourages proactive steps that can prevent harassment from escalating and strengthen overall workplace safety.

This course is required for all employees in New York State and New York City. It is designed for employees only, but supervisors may take additional or specialized training to meet managerial compliance obligations.

The course meets NYS and NYC annual training requirements, covering definitions, examples, reporting options, anti-retaliation protections, and bystander strategies. Completing the training ensures employees understand their rights and responsibilities while helping organizations maintain proper records for compliance audits.

Employers should track:

• Training completion dates
  

• Employee participation
  

• Course version and syllabus
  

• Certificates of completion

Proper documentation demonstrates compliance and ensures all staff meet annual training obligations.

Bystander intervention empowers employees to identify harassment and help deter it in a safe way by helping others (or reporting). Bystander intervention properly trains individuals to take proactive steps to help ensure harassment does not escalate and helps keep the workplace safe.

This course is required for all New York State and New York City Employees. It is an employee training, although supervisors could take additional or specialized training to support managerial compliance efforts.

The course meets the NYS and NYC annual training requirement, including definitions, examples, reporting options, anti-retaliation protections, and bystander strategies. Completing the course provides assurance that employees understand their role and responsibilities and employers maintain records of training for compliance needs.

Employers should take note of: 

1. When training was completed

2. Who participated 

3. Course and syllabus information 

4. Certificates of completion

Proper documentation demonstrates compliance and assures all staff complete annual training. 

The e-course is approximately 45 minutes long and is self-paced; employees can take a break and resume as necessary. The platform is user-friendly and allows you to maximize your time while ensuring full understanding of the course.