This article is for admins who need to understand their state’s harassment prevention training requirements.
Harassment prevention training teaches employees about harassment, their rights, and how to report incidents. It helps create a safer, more inclusive workplace by helping employees:
Spot inappropriate behavior
Understand their rights
Report issues without fear of punishment
Harassment prevention training matters because:
Many states require employers to provide harassment prevention training. Rules vary by:
Minimum number of employees
Deadlines for compliance
Specific content that must be covered
It’s best practice in all 50 states.
It helps prevent harassment and shows your company cares about a respectful work environment.
We offer training resources and tools to help employers stay compliant. For more info, visit our article on Gusto Learning.
Local city rules may add more requirements. For detailed guidance, talk to an employment attorney.
After reviewing the laws, you can use Gusto Learning to provide the required training.
This table was last updated Mar 27, 2025.
State
Requirement
Employers with...
Training frequency
Agency and website
Additional info
California
5 or more employees or contractors*
Every 2 years
*California does not require you to train contractors, but you still have to count them when figuring out if training is required for your team.
Connecticut
3 or more employees
Every 10 years
Commission on Human Right and Opportunities
Delaware
50 or more employees
Every 2 years
Illinois
1 or more employees
Annual
Illinois Department of Human Rights
*If an employee is based outside of Illinois but regularly interacts with team members in Illinois, even if they are not physically present in Illinois, they should be trained.
Maine
15 or more employees
Every 3 years
Human Rights Commission State of Maine
New York
1 or more employees
Annual
Washington
8 or more employees
Every 3 years
Washington D.C.
Employers with tipped workers
Annual