Colorado Sexual Harassment Prevention Training Requirements

Though Colorado may not specify harassment prevention training guidelines, Colorado Fair Employment Practices Act and the recently enacted POWR Act provide comprehensive directives and definitions regarding harassment and discrimination. These acts prohibit discrimination and harassment based on various protected characteristics such as age (40+), race, religion, marital status, and more, setting a new threshold for what constitutes actionable harassment.

Ignoring or inadequately addressing harassment and discrimination can lead to a cascade of negative consequences, including a toxic work environment, increased absenteeism, higher turnover, reputational damage, and potentially expensive litigation.

Even without a state mandate for sexual harassment prevention training, the incorporation of such programs is paramount in creating a safe, respectful, and compliant work environment. Given the new regulations and expectations set by the POWR Act, employers must take diligent steps to educate both their supervisory and nonsupervisory employees about the expanded definitions, protections, and obligations under the new law. This training can help navigate the complexities of harassment prevention, reporting, and resolution, while fostering a culture that champions respect, inclusivity, and legal compliance.

While a sexual harassment prevention training program is not currently mandated at a federal level, it is strongly recommended by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). It is crucial for employers to familiarize themselves with the POWR Act’s new definitions and requirements in order to ensure compliance and safeguard the work environment.