CPEhr Helps Employers Reduce Sexual Harassment Risks

Despite great strides against sexual harassment during the past 20 years, recent events prove that the problem continues to rear its ugly head. A federal jury recently found Madison Square Garden and Isiah Thomas liable to pay $11.6 million in damages for sexually harassing a former employee. The public case has once again drawn attention to this complex legal issue.

CPEhr, a leading California-based HR consulting firm, offers comprehensive harassment training to help small employers avoid costly harassment lawsuits and penalties.

Assembly Bill 1825 (AB 1825), requiring all California employers with 50 or more employees to provide two hours of sexual harassment training every 24 months, went into effect on January 1, 2005. However, that same year, the EEOC received close to 13,000 charges of sexual harassment, with the average costs recovered in monetary benefits increasing dramatically.

According to a recent study by TrainRight Solutions, 41 percent of U.S. employers still donít provide preventive training for sexual harassment, with cost the leading factor for ignoring education in this area.

ìI believe that figure is probably close, but still a little low,î says Linda Robinson, Training Manager for CPEhr. ìIn the past, I have run across many excuses for an employer to hesitate or turn down an opportunity to provide training. Some include lack of budget; a belief that this will not or does not occur in their work environment; and the fear that a new awareness among employees will encourage rather than prevent lawsuits.î

Robinsonís company CPEhr is a leader in providing answers and assuring employers that taking preventive measures is the right approach. Among CPEhrís many services is helping companies establish appropriate policies and dealing with complex issues involving sexual harassment.

ìCPEhr is dedicated to assisting employers in providing and maintaining a safe environment,î said Robinson. ìThis is accomplished through several means, including review and updating of policies, handbooks and other materials, free training, and other supervisory developmental training programs.î

It may be costly to implement sexual harassment guidelines, but companies could face a higher price when employees arenít properly trained. Thatís just one reason CPEhrís expertise is invaluable, and why its solutions are critical to companies that otherwise might ignore the risk.