How Workplace Harassment and Discrimination Training Protects Your People and Your Business
Workplace harassment and discrimination training play a key role in defining an organization’s culture. They set expectations, build awareness, and show employees what behavior is and isn’t acceptable. Done well, this training can reduce legal risk, improve morale, and create a safer workplace environment for everyone.
Between 2018 and 2021, the EEOC received over 27,000 sexual harassment complaints. But those numbers are only a fraction of the number of incidents that actually happen. Studies show many employees fail to report incidents out of fear of retaliation or belief they will not be taken seriously.
Training isn’t a formality. It’s a way to prevent harm before it happens, and to help people understand what to do next when they need help with a workplace harassment or discrimination issue. That requires going beyond static policies and one-time modules. It means using real-world examples, making content accessible, and ensuring clear messaging.
What is the purpose of workplace harassment and discrimination training?
According to one University of Northern Iowa research study, “Organizations implement training programs to comply with legal requirements, promote ethical standards, and mitigate risks associated with harassment claims.”¹ Concluded researchers, workplace sexual harassment training is most effective when it’s interactive, ongoing, and backed by leadership support. One-time sessions raise awareness but perhaps fall short because they tend not to drive behavior that sticks and that drives change.
In this case study with Graphic Packaging International, we highlight what effective workplace harassment and discrimination training looks like in action. With employees in over 100 locations, many of whom don’t sit at desks, this organization needed a practical solution. Together, SAI360 and Graphic Packaging International built a video-based training experience that reflects the company’s values and worked across time zones, languages, and job roles. The shift made training more accessible and more effective.
Programs like these are important. By showing employees what to do, they reinforce the company’s commitment to fairness and respect and shape the fabric of the organization.
Final Thoughts
If you’re building or refreshing your approach to workplace harassment and discrimination training, ask: Does it reach everyone in the right way? And does it resonate the way it should?
¹ The Effectiveness of Workplace Sexual Harassment Prevention Training: A Systematic Review
