You can't miss it. It's all over the news. The #MeToo movement and several allegations of sexual adancements in the workplace have stirred up conversations about the subject. Most recently the topic has prompted New York legislators to pass a new law that by October 9th, all New York employers must implement sexual-harassment training programs and comply with a specific written sexual-harassment policy.
What do you need to do?
While we are waiting for NYS to publish a model program and exactly what employers need to do to comply, start to prepare now. Know that you are going to need to implement an annual 2 hour, interactive sexual-harassement training program.
Employers are also required to include a written sexual-harassment policy to distribute to your employees and include in your employee handbook. Your policy also needs to address how an employer will take action against non-empoyee sexual harassment.
Concord Insurance can help!
Many of you have been proactive and have purchased Employment Practices Liability Insurance. This insurance policy provides coverage and protection against lawsuits stemming from sexual harassment, wrongful termination, discrimination, wage and hour violations and other employeent related issues such as failure to promove.
In addition to this important coverage many of the insurance companies who provide this coverage also provide FREE HR Support with sample employee handbooks, sexual harassment policies, online content and webinars and employement law updates.
One last thing
We will keep you posted when the state releases better guidelines. In the meantime start to review your existing sexual-harassment policies and be prepared to make adjustments to comply with this new law.
