Avoiding Holiday Mishaps: The Importance of Anti-Harassment Training for Employers

It's the annual holiday party, and spirits are high. Employees are mingling, enjoying drinks, and lightening up from the pressures of the year. Over at a table, a manager makes a joke that borders on inappropriate. Several employees laugh uncomfortably and exchange looks, but one employee feels deeply offended. As the night goes on, the manager continues with more inappropriate comments, and the employee walks away feeling embarrassed and uncomfortable.

By Monday, the comments are all anyone can talk about, and HR receives a complaint. The employee is upset, the manager is embarrassed, and the entire team is a bit shaken. What was supposed to be a fun event has now turned into a tense and uncomfortable situation. Unsure of how to deal with the situation, HR decides to talk with the manager and tells them to pay more attention to their comments in the future and “maybe just avoid that employee” for a little bit until things settle down.  Considering how the team was feeling about what happened at the party, imagine how HR’s response (or lack of) impacted their morale.

Now imagine if things had gone differently. What if the organization had conducted thorough harassment awareness training for employees ahead of the holiday season? The inappropriate comments might never have been told, or if they were, the employees and managers would have known how to address it immediately.  With clear guidelines, awareness, and a safe reporting structure in place, the organization could have avoided damage to morale and potential legal consequences.

Why Harassment Awareness Training is Essential

1. Heightened Social Interactions

The holiday season often brings more opportunities for casual and less structured social interactions between employees, from holiday parties to end-of-year or new year celebrations. While these events are meant to build camaraderie, they also present situations where inappropriate behavior—whether intentional or not—can occur. Harassment awareness training helps employees understand workplace boundaries, even in more relaxed settings and outside of work.

2. Protecting Vulnerable Employees

The holiday season can be particularly tough for some employees. The stress of the season, financial concerns, and personal challenges can make some employees more vulnerable. They may be less likely to speak up if they experience harassment or inappropriate behavior, thinking they don’t want to ruin things during the holidays. Harassment awareness training reinforces the message that every employee has the right to a safe and respectful workplace at all times.

3. Building Organization Culture

When organizations invest in harassment awareness training, they are actively working to create a more inclusive and respectful work environment. Training sends a strong message that the organization values respect and safety, which enhances employee morale and trust in leadership.

4. Mitigating Legal Risks

Organizations that fail to provide harassment awareness training may find themselves in legal trouble. Oregon’s Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI), Washington’s Labor and Industries (LNI) and the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) have made it clear that employers are responsible for preventing harassment in all work-related environments, including holiday parties and offsite events. Comprehensive training can help prevent incidents and reduce the likelihood of costly lawsuits or settlements.

Preparing for a Safe and Respectful Holiday Season

As your team prepares for holiday parties and the year ahead, consider this: a little preparation now can prevent a lot of damage later. Ensure that your employees are equipped with the knowledge and tools to foster respect, dignity, and inclusion—so everyone can enjoy the season and new year without concern.

If you’re ready to look at scheduling harassment awareness training for your workplace, reach out and let’s talk.