CaliforniaHarassment Training Requirements

Sexual harassment training in California is a legally required workplace training program designed to educate employees and supervisors on preventing workplace harassment, discrimination, and retaliation. Under SB 1343 and AB 1825, employers with five or more employees must provide sexual harassment prevention training to all employees every two years.

All employers in California with five or more employees, including temporary and seasonal employees, must provide sexual harassment prevention training. This includes:

• Supervisors: At least two hours of training every two years.
• Non-supervisory employees: At least one hour of training every two years.
• New Hires and Promotions: New employees and promoted supervisors must receive this training within the first six months of hire or promotion. 

California law mandates that sexual harassment training covers:

• Definition of Sexual Harassment
  • Covers California (FEHA) and federal (Title VII) laws
• Examples of Harassing Conduct
  • Includes quid pro quo harassment and hostile work environment
• Prevention Strategies
  • Steps employers and employees can take to prevent harassment
• Employer Responsibilities
  • Implementing policies, investigating complaints, and enforcing discipline
• Complaint Process
  • How employees can report harassment internally and externally (California Civil Rights Department – CRD)
• Legal Remedies and Protections
  • Employee rights, legal actions, and protections against retaliation
• Bystander Intervention
  • Training employees on how to intervene when witnessing harassment
• Abusive Conduct & Bullying
  • Workplace bullying and its impact on employees
• Harassment Based on Other Protected Characteristics
  • Includes gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, race, disability, and more

SB 1343 is a California law that requires sexual harassment prevention training for all employees in businesses with five or more employees. It ensures that employers provide effective, legally compliant training on workplace harassment prevention every two years.

Employers can comply with California’s harassment prevention training requirements by offering:

• Online sexual harassment training courses
• Live instructor-led sessions
• Interactive e-learning modules
• Can be conducted in person, online, or via webinar
• California-compliant workplace harassment training programs from certified providers like Emtrain

AB 1825 was California’s first law requiring sexual harassment training for supervisors in workplaces with 50 or more employees. The law has since been expanded through SB 1343 and SB 778, which now apply to businesses with five or more employees and require training for all workers.

Employers who fail to comply with sexual harassment training California requirements may face legal consequences, including:

• Fines and penalties from the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH)
• Workplace discrimination lawsuits
• Liability for failing to prevent workplace harassment

In addition to legal and financial ramifications, sexual harassment law suits can lead to public scandals which can damage a company’s reputation, erode employee trust, and impact business operations.

Employers must provide sexual harassment prevention training to all employees every two years. New hires must complete the training within six months of starting employment.

Yes. Remote employees and teleworkers are required to complete California harassment prevention training if they are employed by a company operating in California.

Emtrain offers California-compliant sexual harassment prevention training that meets SB 1343 and AB 1825 requirements. Our interactive training helps employees understand workplace harassment laws, recognize inappropriate conduct, and foster a culture of respect and inclusion.

For more information on California sexual harassment training requirements, visit Emtrain’s training solutions.