Sexual Harassment Prevention Training — Washington

This course was built for Washington employers who want to protect their organization from liability under Washington law, reduce the risk and cost of harassment claims, and build a workplace grounded in respect and accountability. Washington doesn't mandate this training for most employers — but the Washington Law Against Discrimination and federal law make clear it's one of the smartest steps an employer can take, both to safeguard its people and to safeguard itself.

(Operate a hotel, motel, retail establishment, security guard service, or property services company that employs isolated workers? Washington law requires specific training for you — see Sexual Harassment Prevention Training — Washington (For Hotels/Motels, Retail, Security, and Property Services with Isolated Workers) in our course catalog.)

Why Train?

Washington's workplaces are governed by the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD, Chapter 49.60 RCW), which prohibits sexual harassment and often provides broader protections than federal law. Under WLAD, an employer can be held liable for workplace harassment whether or not training is mandated — and Washington courts construe these protections liberally. On the federal side, under Title VII and two key U.S. Supreme Court decisions (Faragher and Ellerth), an employer facing a harassment claim can raise a legal defense, but only if it can show it took reasonable steps to prevent and promptly correct harassment. Effective training and a clear, communicated policy are central to that defense.

• Strengthens your legal position: Training and a communicated policy support an employer's defense under both the Washington Law Against Discrimination and Title VII.

• Reduces risk and cost: Washington's protections are broad and employee-friendly, and harassment claims are expensive. Prevention is far cheaper than litigation.

• Builds a healthier workplace: Clear expectations, known reporting channels, and a culture of respect benefit everyone.

What This Course Covers

You'll cover what sexual harassment and unlawful workplace harassment are under the Washington Law Against Discrimination and federal law, the difference between quid pro quo harassment and a hostile work environment, examples of prohibited conduct, the complaint and reporting process (including how to file with the Washington State Human Rights Commission and the EEOC), employees' rights, and the prohibition against retaliation. Supervisors and managers receive an additional segment covering the specific duties the law places on those in charge: how to recognize harassment, how to receive and respond to a complaint, the obligation to take prompt and appropriate corrective action, how to avoid and prevent retaliation, and the personal and organizational liability that can result when a supervisor fails to act.

This course is taught by a Certified Mediator with a law degree and U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) mediation experience, delivering the content in a clear, respectful, and genuinely useful way, allowing all participants to feel welcome and comfortable.

Best for: Washington employers outside the isolated-worker industries — and their employees, supervisors, and managers — seeking effective sexual harassment prevention training to reduce liability under the Washington Law Against Discrimination, meet best-practice standards, and build a respectful workplace.

Format: Two-hour group training for employees; a three-hour session for supervisors and managers (the employee content plus an additional hour on supervisor duties and liability). Interactive, in person or virtual.

Pricing is set per engagement. Contact Phoenix Canyon to request a quote.