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IllinoisHarassment Training Requirements

Illinois’ sexual harassment prevention training law is one of the most stringent in the United States. SB 75 requires that all employees be trained on a yearly basis. There are also supplemental training requirements for employees in the service industry. Restaurants and bars must establish and disseminate a written policy on sexual harassment prevention training, and train on specific content such as details on reporting and filing charges with state authorities.

By July 1st, 2023, all employers in Chicago must annually provide 1 hour of sexual harassment prevention training for all employees, 2 hours for supervisors and managers, and 1 hour of bystander training for all employees. For a more detailed overview of this new requirement, visit the City of Chicago’s website.

The check marks in the table below indicate which training topics are required by state law.

Topics
Regulations
Who needs to be trained?
Managers and employees, and extra training for employees in bars, restaurants, and hotels
Time requirements
None; for city of Chicago, employers must provide 1 hour of sexual harassment prevention training for all employees, 2 hours for supervisors and managers, and 1 hour of bystander training for all employees annually (starting July 1, 2022). 
Frequency
Annually
Interactivity / Ability to ask questions and get trainer's answers Where the employee learner can ask questions about the concepts in a safe, anonymous way and get answers and guidance from subject matter experts.
Path 2
Definition of protected characteristics A description of the personal characteristics that are protected by law in each state.
Path 2
Types of sexual harassment (quid pro quo and hostile work environment) A description of the actions or situations that would create either quid pro quo harassment (this for that) or hostile work environment harassment.
Path 2
Parties to harassment A lesson about different people who can be involved in harassment, such as co-workers, clients, interns, a person of any gender.
Group 4 Copy 3
Remedies available A lesson about what a person can recover in a lawsuit for harassment, such as money for economic harm, emotional harm, etc.
Path 2
Strategies to prevent harassment A description about the different personal and organizational behaviors to promote respect and minimize harassment.
Path 2
Practical examples from case law, news, and media Real stories to illustrate the concepts.
Path 2
Limited confidentiality of the complaint process A lesson about the logistics of filing a harassment complaint and how there is no legal right to confidentiality.
Group 4 Copy 3
Resources for victims and complainants A description of the employer's resources that are designed to help people complaining of harassment.
Path 2
Duty to investigate A lesson on the legal duty of the employer to investigate all claims of harassment and the minimum requirements of the investigation.
Group 4 Copy 3
What to do if supervisor is personally accused A lesson on how a supervisor or manager should respond if accused by a subordinate employee of harassment.
Group 4 Copy 3
Personal liability of harasser / Criminal liability Information about if and when an employee can be sued personally for harassment (as opposed to just named in the lawsuit) and if an accused faces criminal liability.
Personal liability only
Supervisor's obligation to report harassment A lesson for supervisors to teach them to promptly report any claims of harassment, even if it doesn't appear like a formal complaint.
Path 2
Elements of the employer's harassment policy A lesson outlining and covering all the components of the employer's harassment policy and complaint procedure.
Path 2
Review of the elements of abusive conduct Information about when conduct is considered abusive and, whether abusive conduct is illegal in that region. For example, abusive conduct is not illegal in any state in the United States but it is illegal in different provinces in Canada.
Group 4 Copy 3
Bystander intervention A lesson on how people who witness harassing or disrespectful conduct can and should intervene to protect the employee and stop the conduct.
Group 4 Copy 3
Retaliation A lesson on when actions meet the criteria of retaliation and an explanation that retaliation is illegal.
Path 2

Protected Characteristics in Illinois

  • Race
  • Color
  • Religion
  • Sex
  • National origin
  • Citizenship Status (with regard to employment)
  • Ancestry
  • Age (40 and over)
  • Marital Status
  • Familial Status (with regard to housing)
  • Physical or Mental Disability
  • Arrest Record
  • Military Status
  • Sexual Orientation
  • Unfavorable Discharge from Military Service

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IL Harassment Training Requirements Sheet
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is required for sexual harassment training in Illinois? +

Illinois mandates annual sexual harassment prevention training for all employees, as per the Illinois Workplace Transparency Act. Employers must provide training that covers the definition of sexual harassment, examples of prohibited conduct, reporting mechanisms, and the consequences of engaging in harassment.

Who needs to complete Illinois sexual harassment training? +

All employers with employees working in Illinois must provide sexual harassment training in Illinois, regardless of company size. This includes full-time, part-time, temporary, and seasonal workers. Additionally, restaurants and bars have industry-specific training requirements.

How often must employees complete sexual harassment prevention training in Illinois? +

Employees must complete Illinois sexual harassment prevention training every year. Employers must ensure all workers receive training that meets the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) guidelines.

What topics must Illinois sexual harassment training cover? +

To comply with Illinois sexual harassment laws, training must include:

  • A clear definition of workplace sexual harassment
  • Examples of unlawful conduct
  • Details on employer responsibilities and liability
  • Information on how to report sexual harassment and available protections
Are there penalties for non-compliance with Illinois sexual harassment training laws? +

Yes. Employers who fail to provide Illinois harassment training can face penalties, including fines from the Illinois Department of Human Rights. Businesses may also be at higher risk of legal action in cases of workplace harassment claims.

Does Illinois sexual harassment prevention training need to be interactive? +

Yes. Illinois law requires that workplace harassment training be interactive, meaning employees must actively engage with the content. Online training platforms like Emtrain offer interactive modules to ensure compliance.

What additional training requirements apply to restaurants and bars? +

The Illinois Human Rights Act requires that restaurants and bars provide industry-specific harassment training that includes additional prevention strategies tailored to their work environment.

  • Tailored Prevention Strategies: Training must address unique risks in the restaurant and bar industry, such as power dynamics, alcohol consumption, and interactions with customers.
  • Bystander Intervention: Employees should learn how to recognize, report, and intervene in instances of harassment.
  • Legal Responsibilities: Employers must educate workers on their rights and the employer’s obligations under the IHRA.
  • Employer’s Harassment Policy: Training should reinforce company-specific policies, reporting procedures, and disciplinary actions for harassment.

These additional measures aim to create a safer work environment and reduce harassment risks specific to the hospitality industry.

Can employers use online sexual harassment training to comply with Illinois law? +

Yes, online harassment prevention training is an effective and compliant way to meet Illinois state training requirements. Emtrain’s online program ensures compliance by covering all required topics while providing an engaging learning experience.

How can businesses ensure compliance with Illinois sexual harassment training laws? +

Employers should:

  • Use state-approved harassment training providers
  • Track employee training completion
  • Provide bystander intervention training for a stronger workplace culture
  • Implement clear anti-harassment policies
How can employees report sexual harassment in Illinois? +

Employees can report workplace sexual harassment to their employer, human resources (HR), or file a complaint with the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR). Organizations should have clear reporting procedures in place to encourage a harassment-free workplace.

For more information on sexual harassment training in Illinois and to ensure your business is compliant, explore Emtrain’s Illinois harassment prevention training today!

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