10 Practical Tips for Training Employees on Preventing Sexual Harassment: A Guide for HR Professionals
Building a workplace that’s safe, respectful, and harassment-free is not just a legal responsibility—it’s the right thing to do. Unfortunately, even with solid policies in place, sexual harassment can still be an issue. As HR professionals, we need to make sure employees have the knowledge and tools to stop harassment and speak up when they see something wrong.
Here’s how to create a training program that not only meets legal requirements but also helps build a respectful and inclusive culture:
1. Create Engaging, Meaningful Training
Don’t settle for those boring checkbox training sessions. Make sure your content is interactive and practical, reflecting real-life situations your employees might face. Use case studies, role-playing, and relatable scenarios to make it stick. A generic approach won’t cut it—tailor your training to match your company’s culture and regularly refresh it so the information stays relevant.
2. Offer Flexible E-Learning Options
Not all employees work in the same place or on the same schedule. Offering e-learning modules that people can access anytime, anywhere makes training more accessible. Add quizzes, videos, and surveys to keep things interesting and to track who’s completed the training. Plus, the data can show where employees might need a bit more attention.
3. Encourage Open Discussions
Training shouldn’t be a one-way lecture. Host workshops or discussions where employees can openly share their thoughts, ask questions, and explore complex issues around harassment. These sessions should feel like a safe, non-judgmental space for honest conversations. You might even consider peer-led discussions, which can make the training feel more relatable and less formal.
4. Train Managers Separately
Managers need more than just the basics. They’re often the first point of contact for complaints, so make sure they’re trained on how to handle reports, support employees, and maintain a harassment-free workplace. It’s important that managers model the right behaviors because their actions set the tone for the rest of the company.
5. Teach Bystander Intervention
Your employees shouldn’t just recognize harassment—they should feel empowered to step in. Bystander intervention training gives them the tools to safely and effectively respond when they see inappropriate behavior. Whether it’s speaking up, seeking help from others, or reporting the incident, employees need to know they have options, and that stepping in is encouraged.
6. Focus on Inclusivity and Sensitivity
Harassment doesn’t look the same for everyone. Make sure your training covers different types of harassment, considering gender, race, sexual orientation, and other factors. Be sensitive to cultural differences too, as they can impact how harassment is perceived and experienced.
7. Track and Measure Training Effectiveness
Training should lead to real-world results. Collect feedback from employees to see what worked and what didn’t. Monitor reports and incidents over time to gauge if your training is making a difference. Use this feedback to continuously improve and update your programs, keeping them fresh and relevant.
8. Promote a Speak-Up Culture
Policies only work if employees feel safe using them. Make it clear that reporting harassment will lead to action, not retaliation. Constantly promote reporting channels and encourage employees to speak up. Reinforce the idea that the company has a zero-tolerance policy, and back it up with leadership support and consistent messaging.
9. Bring in the Experts
Sometimes an outside perspective can be a game-changer. Consider bringing in external trainers or consultants who specialize in harassment prevention. They can offer fresh insights and expertise that lend credibility to your training. Partnering with legal experts can also help ensure your training aligns with current laws.
10. Lead by Example
Leadership matters—big time. When senior leaders actively participate in training and consistently demonstrate respectful behavior, it sends a strong message. Employees are more likely to take training seriously when they see leadership walking the talk. HR must also ensure that policies are enforced fairly, because if employees see uneven application of the rules, the training loses its impact.
Final Thoughts
Training your team to prevent sexual harassment isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace. By making your training programs engaging, inclusive, and flexible, and by encouraging open discussions and a speak-up culture, you’re setting the stage for a positive, harassment-free environment.
Your goal? Give employees the knowledge and confidence they need to prevent harassment and handle it if it does occur. In the process, you’ll not only protect your team but also build a stronger, more supportive workplace culture.
About the Author: Paul Newman
Paul is Co-founder & CTO for Big 5 Assessments. He's worked in the Psychometric Testing industry for over 25 years. Paul is responsible for the day–to–day running of the business, but also for overseeing the technology side of the business. Paul has extensive experience in software development, product management, sales and marketing. In addition, Paul also has frontline recruitment & selection experience from sourcing and attracting candidates, assessing, screening, behavioural interviewing, offer management and resource planning as well as developing assessment centres and competency frameworks from scratch. 
