EEOC issued new workplace harassment guidance - now what?

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently issued new guidance on workplace harassment to reflect modern day laws and social changes. Prior to the recent release, official workplace harassment guidance had not been updated since 1999.  

• recognition of harassment prevention in online and virtual work settings,  
• detailed standard harassment investigation protocols for employers, 
• clarification on protected classes like pregnancy, gender identify and sexual orientation, and 
• additional examples of unlawful harassment.  

While employers should maintain current harassment prevention procedures, like training managers on how to identify and handle harassment cases, or including EEOC policy statements on job postings, supplemental actions may need to be taken. Consider adding verbiage to policies that clarifies harassment based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, and gender identity is prohibited. Confirm that current investigation protocols also align with the EEOC’s guidance and make changes to investigation procedures if necessary.  

For further clarity on steps to take in the wake of new EEOC guidance, register now for our upcoming webinar, “How the EEOC’s new workplace harassment prevention guidance changes things.” Rachel Gast, HR Consulting Director, will help employers understand how the recent directive impacts employer policies and procedures.  

Additional Resources:   

• EEOC Releases Workplace Guidance to Prevent Harassment 
• Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace 
• Summary of Key Provisions: EEOC Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace