Understanding the EEOC’s New Harassment Guidance in 2024: Key Insights from Our Webinar with Margie Faulk
In today’s evolving workplace landscape, staying compliant with federal regulations is more crucial than ever. With the EEOC’s new harassment guidance, businesses are faced with new challenges and expectations that demand immediate attention. Our recent 90-minute webinar, "Comply with the EEOC’s New Harassment Guidance," held on September 11, 2024, was led by HR compliance expert Margie Faulk, PHR, SHRM-CP. Margie has over 15 years of experience helping businesses navigate these complex regulations, and in this session, she shared valuable insights on how companies can adapt to these new changes.
For those who missed the live session, we’re sharing some key takeaways that will help you understand the scope of the EEOC’s updates—without giving away too much, of course! This article is designed to provoke your interest, while the full webinar offers deeper strategies and tools to implement within your organization.
Why is the EEOC’s New Guidance Important?
As Margie explained during the session, “The EEOC’s new harassment guidance is more than just an update—it’s a roadmap for how companies should address harassment in today’s diverse and evolving workplace. It covers everything from sexual harassment to discrimination based on race, gender, and even hairstyles.”
These changes are crucial for HR professionals and business leaders to understand. The new guidance impacts protected classes, addresses evolving forms of workplace harassment, and expands liability in ways many organizations may not yet fully grasp.
Key Areas Covered in the Full Webinar
The full webinar dives deeply into these key areas:
1. Understanding Protected Classes
The EEOC's new guidance extends the definitions of protected classes, particularly in relation to gender identity, sexual orientation, and hair textures, like locks and twists. Margie emphasized the importance of staying up-to-date: “Employers must recognize how seemingly minor issues, such as hairstyles associated with certain racial groups, are now considered under the harassment umbrella.” This is particularly important in creating inclusive workplaces that respect cultural and racial differences.
2. Harassment Doesn’t Have to Be Sexual
One significant point covered in the webinar was the reminder that harassment doesn't need to be sexual in nature to be illegal. Margie explained, “Offensive remarks about a person's race, religion, or gender identity are now considered forms of harassment if they create a hostile work environment.” This update should make companies rethink their anti-harassment policies and broaden the scope beyond sexual harassment.
3. Liability Goes Beyond Your Employees
The full session also covered how employer liability extends beyond direct employees. “The EEOC has made it clear that harassment from third parties—such as customers, vendors, or contractors—can result in employer liability,” Margie noted. This expansion of liability makes it crucial for companies to train not just their staff but also to monitor interactions with third parties more closely.
4. Creating Anti-Harassment Policies that Comply
Margie offered detailed advice on creating comprehensive anti-harassment policies that meet the new EEOC standards. “It’s not enough to simply update your policies—you need to integrate these changes into training and daily operations,” she explained. The webinar provided a step-by-step guide to drafting these policies, including what language to use and how to ensure employees understand and comply with them.
5. The Role of Training in Preventing Violations
One of the most actionable takeaways from the full session was the emphasis on training. Margie stated, “Training is your first line of defense against harassment claims. If you can demonstrate that your staff is trained and aware of these new regulations, it can serve as an affirmative defense in EEOC cases.” The webinar detailed how to implement training programs that cover both legal requirements and practical application, ensuring that everyone from leadership to entry-level employees is aware of their roles in preventing harassment.
Recommended by LinkedIn
A Glimpse into the Webinar’s In-Depth Content
While this article provides an overview of the most critical points, it’s just the tip of the iceberg. The full 90-minute session dives deep into real-world examples, case studies, and actionable tools. Margie’s unique training philosophy includes providing attendees with free, customizable tools—something she’s perfected over her 15-year career. Attendees of the full webinar receive templates for harassment policies, checklists for termination, and more—tools that have proven effective in managing workplace risks.
As Margie mentioned during the webinar, “These aren’t just generic templates; they’re tools I’ve developed over years of working directly with businesses to reduce their exposure to fines and lawsuits.”
Get a Sneak Peek: Watch a 10-Minute Excerpt:
We understand that committing to a full webinar can feel like a big step, so we’re offering a 10-minute sneak peek of our session with Margie Faulk. This brief excerpt will give you a taste of the insightful content and actionable advice Margie offers on the EEOC’s new harassment guidance.
This glimpse provides an overview of what was covered during the full session, offering you a chance to see the value-packed insights before purchasing the complete program.
Watch the excerpt below, and if you’re ready for more, click the link to access the full 90-minute session. Protect Your Workplace: Comply with the EEOC's New Harassment Guidance
Why You Should Watch the Full Webinar
If this article and excerpt has sparked your interest, we highly encourage you to access the full session. It’s an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the EEOC’s new guidance and learn practical steps you can implement immediately. Whether you’re an HR professional, a compliance officer, or a business leader, this webinar provides comprehensive knowledge and tools to ensure your company is compliant and prepared for the future.
Click the link - Purchase the Webinar Here - to purchase the complete 90-minute webinar and gain access to all the insights, tools, and strategies you need to stay compliant with the latest EEOC updates.
Key Benefits of Watching the Full Webinar:
Don’t wait until a violation puts your company at risk. Stay compliant, protect your employees, and foster a respectful workplace environment by getting ahead of these critical changes.
Final Thoughts
The EEOC’s new harassment guidance isn’t something businesses can afford to overlook. This webinar offers the critical information you need to ensure compliance, avoid legal risks, and create a workplace where employees feel respected and valued.
#EEOC #HarassmentPrevention #HRCompliance #WorkplaceRegulations #MargieFaulk #ComplianceTraining #HRTraining #EmployeeSafety #WorkplaceHarassment #SexualHarassment #WorkplacePolicies #AntiHarassment #ComplianceStrategies #LegalUpdates #BusinessCompliance #HRProfessionals #HumanResources