Benefits of In-Person Sexual Harassment Training
Online sexual harassment training has a negative effect. Companies who partner with Bridge Training Consultants reap the benefits of in-person sexual harassment training.
Most employees have been subjected to formal sexual harassment prevention training more than a few times, so they tend to tune out when they have to watch it again. And who can blame them? It’s the same information being presented over and over again. Same laws, same rules. Companies think they’re doing the right thing by following the law and providing the training, but when the only option they offer is online, they undermine the importance of sexual harassment discrimination awareness and preventing harassment. Sexual harassment is still a significant problem; one that has extremely negative consequences. Because the impact of harassment and discrimination are so deleterious, there is danger in not taking the opportunity to deliver a meaningful training, where attendees can ask and get answers to questions that help them define the boundaries of acceptable behavior.
The goal of the training should be an informed workforce that understands the rules and the importance of following those rules. When the information is delivered online, there is no option to ask questions and no way to engage for better understanding. Realistically, people tasked to watch a mandated online training find something else to do at the same time, so the learning opportunity is diluted.
When an organization has in-person sexual harassment training, where the presentation is engaging and interesting, attendees actually learn, often by getting questions answered.
The reason companies rave about Bridge Training Consultants training is because their attendees love it. Skilled trainers keep attendees engaged and interested in what’s presented. They are able to ask and get answers to questions. They learn in an environment where the trainer is more interested in helping everyone understand than just checking the box that it was delivered as required. A portion of Bridge’s presentation revolves around one of the areas that causes the greatest concern: inappropriate comments. By helping employees understand which comments are unacceptable – and why – complaints, misunderstandings, and offensive behavior are significantly reduced.
By discussing where the boundaries exist, and why, skilled trainers are able to deter borderline behavior that may have been the result of simply not knowing. Live training, either in-person or via Webinar, is the only kind of training that Bridge Training Consultants provides, because it’s the most beneficial for preventing harassing behavior.
California requires that a minimum of one hour be allotted to providing this training to every worker. When considering the cost in time away from work, it should be utilized as an opportunity to effectively deliver important information. Relying on videos makes clear that the company’s priority is being able to check the box that they have provided prevention training in the areas of sexual harassment and anti-discrimination. In comparison, companies that take advantage of the opportunity to engage meaningfully and gain understanding from the people who work for them demonstrate that they care about their employees. Those businesses reap the benefits of in-person sexual harassment training in terms of credibility and trust. Taking sexual harassment prevention so seriously that you bring in a skilled trainer who conducts engaging, interesting, and ultimately beneficial training is a great investment that pays off in terms of behavior, morale, and trust.