Rhode Island Training Requirements
In Rhode Island, sexual harassment training is mandatory for all employers with 50 or more employees. Additionally, all employers, regardless of size, must have a written anti-harassment policy and provide it to every employee.
Training must be provided within one year of hire and refreshed annually to ensure employees remain informed about recognizing, reporting, and responding to harassment. Supervisors are required to complete 2 hours of training to fully understand their role in preventing harassment.
Here’s a quick overview to guide your compliance efforts:
| Requirement Area |
What You Need to Know |
| Who Must Comply |
Employers with 50+ employees in Rhode Island |
| Who Must Be Trained |
All employees and supervisors |
| When to Train |
Within 1 year of hire; annual refreshers thereafter |
| Training Duration |
1 hour (employees), 2 hours (supervisors) |
| Training Frequency |
Annual refresher training required |
| Training Format |
Online or in-person, must include interactive elements and real-world examples |
| Recordkeeping |
Not explicitly required, but recommended to demonstrate compliance |
Who must be trained in Rhode Island, and when should the training happen?
All employers in Rhode Island with 50 or more employees must train:
-
All new employees within one year of hiring
-
All supervisors, with additional focused content related to their responsibilities
Training must then be conducted annually to ensure continued compliance.
How often must training be conducted, and how long should it be?
Employers must:
-
Provide 1 hour of harassment prevention training to general employees
-
Require 2 hours of training for supervisors and management staff
-
Deliver annual refreshers to both groups to reinforce knowledge and maintain compliance
Regular education helps keep policies and protections top of mind for all employees.
What topics must be included in Rhode Island sexual harassment training?
Training must include:
-
A clear definition of sexual harassment
-
Practical examples of inappropriate conduct
-
Internal complaint procedures and external reporting options
-
An explanation of retaliation protections
-
A strong emphasis on prevention strategies and employer consequences
This ensures that employees not only understand the law but also know how to act if harassment occurs.
Are there any training requirements for new hires or supervisors?
Yes:
Supervisor training is critical for maintaining a safe and compliant workplace.
What are the recordkeeping requirements for Rhode Island employers?
Although not explicitly required by law, employers should:
-
Maintain training completion records for each employee and supervisor
-
Retain copies of training materials and attendance logs
-
Keep documentation for at least 3 years to demonstrate compliance if needed
Good recordkeeping can protect your organization in the event of audits, claims, or lawsuits.
What law governs sexual harassment training in Rhode Island?
Sexual harassment prevention training in Rhode Island is governed by the General Laws of Rhode Island, Chapter 28-51 — titled "Sexual Harassment, Education, and Training in Employment."
This law requires covered employers to adopt written policies, educate their workforce, and maintain a proactive stance against harassment and retaliation.
How can employees file a harassment complaint in Rhode Island?
Employees can:
Employees should document all harassment incidents thoroughly, including dates, times, witnesses, and communication records.
Where do I find a sexual harassment training program that complies with my workplace requirements?
Below are expertly developed, state-compliant training programs. Before implementing them, ensure you:
-
Customize your training with specific internal reporting procedures
-
Highlight the state-specific legal requirements for sexual harassment prevention
-
Provide interactive, updated training materials to engage employees effectively
