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Sexual Harassment Training Seminars in IOWA

[ DES MOINES, CEDAR RAPIDS, DAVENPORT ]

Sexual harassment continues to make headlines as more allegations come to light across various industries. As an employer in Iowa, it’s essential to take workplace harassment seriously and implement training seminars to educate your staff.
By law, employers in Iowa with 50 or more employees must provide two hours of anti-harassment training for supervisors within six months of their hire date. However, providing training for all employees can help foster a respectful workplace culture and give staff resources if issues arise. Here’s an overview of why harassment training matters and what employees can expect to learn from seminars in our state.

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Des Moines, Iowa

Reviewing Sexual Harassment Basics

A well-structured harassment training seminar starts by ensuring all participants understand basic definitions and concepts. Trainers will review what constitutes harassment under state and federal laws. Examples highlighting various protected classes help employees recognize inappropriate behavior if they see or experience it firsthand. Reviewing company policies and reporting procedures is also essential

Going Beyond Legal Compliance

The two hours of mandatory supervisor training focuses heavily on legal compliance. But thoughtful training for all staff should go further to address day-to-day realities in your workplace. Experienced trainers will provide relatable case studies, explore gray areas that perplex employees, discuss bullying and incivility, and more. The goal is shifting mindsets and building empathy along with simply checking the legal box.

Adjusting for Industry and Location

Effective workplace training looks different depending on your staff’s demographics, locations, and responsibilities. For example, manufacturing plants may need to address issues like hostile physical touching near machinery. Corporate office seminars would tackle microaggressions and “second-generation” gender bias. Trainers can tailor examples and recommendations to resonate in your distinct environment.

Introducing Bystander Intervention

Bystander intervention training equips employees to speak up if they notice concerning behavior targeting coworkers. Research shows this peer-to-peer approach can positively impact workplace culture. Employees learn how to intervene appropriately and defuse tensions before problems escalate. Knowing they have the skills to handle sticky situations empowers staff to take positive action.

Strengthening Diversity Initiatives

Harassment often stems from lack of understanding of diversity and inclusion issues. Your harassment prevention training offers an opportunity to educate the workforce on recognizing unconscious bias and respecting differences. Employees can gain insight on microaggressions and overcoming stereotypes. This knowledge ultimately contributes to eliminating discriminatory behavior in your workplace.

Offering Resources Mid-Training

It’s not uncommon for training seminars to resurface unpleasant memories for attendees. Skilled trainers make counseling services, HR contacts, and other resources readily available right within training sessions. Letting employees discretely access help encourages them to prioritize their mental health if needed. Despite the serious subject matter, training should remain a safe space.

Encouraging Ongoing Conversations

A single training session likely can’t solve engrained cultural problems within an organization. But investments in continual training demonstrate sustained commitment to stamping out harassment. Consider conducting “lunch and learn” meetings, small group discussions, anonymous surveys, and more to keep the conversations going all year. Change starts from the top down, so model speaking up when you encounter poor behavior.

Assessing and Improving Programs

There’s no one-size-fits-all harassment training suitable for every workplace. You need to honestly assess what resonates with your staff and what misses the mark. Survey participants about scenarios that felt realistic and support they’d like to have. Adapt future programs based on these confidential feedback sessions.
Prioritizing prevention over crisis response prevents employees from enduring hostile environments. Comprehensive harassment training tailored to your workforce gives staff skills to call out problems and become part of the solution.

Going Beyond Legal Compliance

The two hours of mandatory supervisor training focuses heavily on legal compliance. But thoughtful training for all staff should go further to address day-to-day realities in your workplace. Experienced trainers will provide relatable case studies, explore gray areas that perplex employees, discuss bullying and incivility, and more. The goal is shifting mindsets and building empathy along with simply checking the legal box.

Lowa cities providing onsite Sexual harassment training seminars:

Des Moines: Marriott Downtown
700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309

Cedar Rapids: Hilton Hotel
9100 Atlantic Dr SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

Davenport: Hilton Hotels
215 N Main St, Davenport, IA 52801