Pennsylvania Training Requirements
In Pennsylvania, sexual harassment training is mandatory for public sector employees. This includes state agency staff, commissions, boards, and offices. Private-sector employers are not mandated by law but are strongly encouraged to implement regular harassment prevention programs to align with EEOC guidance and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA).
Training must be provided at onboarding for new hires and refreshed annually to ensure that all employees stay informed about their rights, responsibilities, and complaint processes.
Here's a high-level overview of the training structure:
| Requirement Area |
What You Need to Know |
| Who Must Comply |
State employees in Pennsylvania |
| Who Must Be Trained |
All state employees, supervisors, and management |
| When to Train |
Upon hiring (onboarding stage) |
| Training Duration |
1 hour minimum |
| Training Frequency |
Annual refresher required |
| Training Format |
Written materials, videos, interactive sessions |
| Recordkeeping |
Strongly recommended for compliance documentation |
Who must be trained in Pennsylvania, and when should the training happen?
All Pennsylvania state employees must undergo harassment prevention training during onboarding. The program must ensure that employees know how to recognize, report, and prevent sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace.
Although private-sector employers are not bound by the same requirement, offering similar training is strongly encouraged.
How often must training be conducted, and how long should it be?
The required structure involves:
This schedule promotes ongoing awareness and responsiveness to harassment issues.
What topics must be included in Pennsylvania sexual harassment training?
Mandatory content includes:
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Definition of sexual harassment and examples of prohibited behavior
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Reporting processes (internal and external)
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Employee rights and anti-retaliation protections
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Real-life case studies and examples of workplace harassment
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Information tailored to gender, sexual orientation, and other protected categories
Interactive elements like discussions or scenario walkthroughs are recommended to maximize understanding.
Are there any training requirements for new hires or supervisors?
Yes:
Managers and supervisors hold additional responsibilities under PHRA.
What are the recordkeeping requirements for Pennsylvania employers?
While recordkeeping isn't mandated, it is recommended that employers:
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Retain training attendance logs and completion certificates
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Maintain copies of training content and participation acknowledgments
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Preserve records for audit purposes or legal defense
Well-documented compliance efforts strengthen protection against liability.
What law governs sexual harassment training in Pennsylvania?
Sexual harassment prevention training in Pennsylvania is guided by:
Together, these laws prohibit workplace harassment, outline the rights of employees, and establish enforcement procedures through the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC).
How can employees file a harassment complaint in Pennsylvania?
Employees can:
Complaints should be documented with as much detail and supporting evidence as possible to aid investigation.
Where do I find a sexual harassment training program that complies with my workplace requirements?
Below are expertly created, state-compliant training courses tailored to meet public-sector mandates and private-sector best practices. Before deployment:
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Customize the training to reflect your organization’s anti-harassment policies
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Incorporate PHRA and EEOC requirements
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Ensure the program is interactive and updated annually
