Understanding EEOC Guidance on Workplace Harassment & Employer Liability

Workplace harassment remains a pervasive challenge across industries, impacting employee morale, productivity, and organizational reputation. Recent updates from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) provide clarity on employer liability, covering not only sexual harassment but also racial harassment, harassment based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and other protected characteristics.

This comprehensive webinar equips HR professionals, risk managers, and organizational leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to implement effective harassment prevention programs, conduct thorough investigations, and reduce organizational liability.

Learning Objectives

By attending this session, participants will be able to:

• Understand the EEOC’s framework for employer liability regarding quid pro quo harassment and hostile work environments.

• Define and differentiate quid pro quo harassment and hostile work environment harassment.

• Recognize who qualifies as a supervisor under EEOC guidelines.

• Identify employer obligations when the alleged harasser is a customer, client, or third party.

• Ensure compliance with EEOC expectations in policies, training programs, and investigations.

Areas Covered

• Recognizing when an employee has engaged in protected activity under federal law.

• Exploring the EEOC’s updated approach to retaliation claims.

• Best practices and tips for conducting a thorough and defensible harassment investigation.

• Guidance on what the EEOC expects to see in your workplace harassment policies and training programs.

• Importance of maintaining adequate documentation throughout the investigation process to protect both employees and the organization.

• Strategies to prevent workplace harassment and foster a culture of respect and accountability.

Why You Should Attend

Handling harassment claims appropriately is critical to minimizing legal exposure and protecting your organization’s reputation. Employees today are increasingly aware of their rights and more willing to report misconduct. The EEOC evaluates whether an employer responded seriously and effectively to complaints.

This webinar provides step-by-step guidance on what EEOC investigators look for during assessments and how your organization can implement practical measures to ensure compliance and protect employees. Attendees will leave with actionable insights to improve policy enforcement, training programs, and investigation processes.

Who Will Benefit

• Human Resource Professionals

• Risk Managers

• HR Generalists

• Organizational Compliance Officers

• Employee Relations Specialists