Performance Objectives for Sexual Harassment Training

In the workplace often employers provide various training programs to help provide a safe environment for their employees and to protect themselves from potential lawsuits. One of the more common training program involves sexual harassment and is often required for both employees and management. To be considered a success, certain performance objectives must be met.

Behavior Recognition

Upon completion of the training program, participants should be able to define sexual harassment and identify the associated behavior. A successfully run program will give examples of actions and words that are unacceptable in a workplace environment and should clearly illustrate the difference between what is and what is not considered sexual harassment. By providing demonstration any confusion is addressed and participants are given a basis to recognize the difference.

Prevention Techniques

Although not all cases can be deterred or prevented, participants who have completed sexual harassment training should understand how to avoid and potentially prevent it from continuing. For example, in some cases, confronting the issue may be enough to stop the offensive behavior immediately. Employees and other participants should understand the best way to express their discomfort with this type of behavior and when confrontation is not recommended.

Reporting Sexual Harassment

Participants should fully understand what the appropriate steps are to report sexual harassment if it should occur. To meet performance objectives, a training program should clearly outline what victims should do by using various harassment scenarios. For example, how an employee should report harassment from member of management in addition to reporting harassment by a coworker.

The Consequences

There should be a clear understanding of what actions will be taken in these cases. This includes what the company's official policy is and what steps will be taken.