Washington Training Requirements
In Washington, harassment and discrimination prevention training is mandatory for employers with eight or more employees, as outlined in the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD). Covered employers must ensure that all employees, supervisors, and managers receive appropriate training to recognize, prevent, and respond to workplace harassment and retaliation.
New hires must complete the training within their first 90 days of employment, ensuring they are equipped to foster a respectful and legally compliant work environment from the beginning. Additionally, employers are required to provide refresher training every two years to reinforce awareness.
Here’s an overview for easy reference:
| Requirement Area |
What You Need to Know |
| Who Must Comply |
All Washington employers with 8+ employees |
| Who Must Be Trained |
All employees, including supervisors and managers |
| When to Train |
Within 90 days of hire |
| Training Duration |
1 hour minimum |
| Training Frequency |
Every 2 years for refreshers |
| Training Format |
In-person, virtual live sessions, or online interactive training |
| Recordkeeping |
Keep training records for at least 3 years |
Who must be trained in Washington, and when should the training happen?
All employees, including supervisors and managers, must be trained within the first 90 days of employment. Refresher training must be conducted every 2 years.
This ensures both new hires and seasoned staff stay informed about discrimination and harassment prevention.
How often must training be conducted, and how long should it be?
What topics must be included in Washington sexual harassment training?
Training programs must cover:
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Definitions of harassment, discrimination, and retaliation
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Examples of prohibited behaviors
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Employee and employer responsibilities
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Internal complaint procedures
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Rights under the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD)
Interactive methods, like quizzes or case studies, are encouraged to enhance engagement.
Are there any training requirements for new hires or supervisors?
Yes. All new hires must receive harassment and discrimination training within their first 90 days of employment. Supervisors and managers are also required to complete this training, with an additional emphasis on complaint handling, fostering an inclusive workplace, and preventing retaliation. Ensuring leadership understands these expectations helps create a safe, compliant environment.
What are the recordkeeping requirements for Washington employers?
Employers must:
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Maintain training records for at least 3 years
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Document the training date, attendee names, and content covered
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Store completion certificates and training materials for compliance verification
Strong recordkeeping practices help defend against audits or legal claims.
What law governs sexual harassment training in Washington?
The primary law is the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD), codified under RCW 49.60. This law prohibits workplace discrimination, harassment, and retaliation based on protected characteristics like race, sex, religion, disability, and more.
How can employees file a harassment complaint in Washington?
Employees can:
Complaints should be filed within 300 days of the alleged incident.
Where do I find a sexual harassment training program that complies with my workplace requirements?
Below are expert-designed, state-compliant harassment training courses tailored to meet state and federal standards. Before rolling them out to your team, be sure to:
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Add your company logo to make it brand-specific
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Customize the training content to reflect your reporting procedures and anti-harassment policies
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Update your internal policies based on current state law and EEOC best practices
Each course is fully editable to match your organizational needs while maintaining legal compliance.
