New York State (NYS) mandates comprehensive sexual harassment prevention training for all employers operating within the state. These requirements are not only legal obligations, but critical tools for building a respectful workplace and reducing liability risk.
Whether you’re a small business owner or managing a large organization, understanding and complying with these rules is essential.
What is NYS Mandated Sexual Harassment Training?
Since October 9, 2018, all New York employers must provide annual sexual harassment prevention training to every employee—regardless of job title, full-time or part-time status, or employment duration.
The training must be:
- Interactive – not passive reading or viewing
- Annual – provided once every calendar year
- Comprehensive – covering legal definitions, complaint processes, and employee rights
For full compliance, your training must meet or exceed New York’s model training standards.
Required Topics in the Training
New York State law outlines specific areas that must be addressed during training. These include:
- A clear definition and examples of sexual harassment
- Details about federal and state laws and legal remedies
- Instructions for internal and external reporting, including contact info for the New York State Division of Human Rights
- The role and responsibility of supervisors and managers
- Protections from retaliation after filing a complaint
Employers may use the official NYS training or design their own, provided it is just as thorough.
What Makes the Training “Interactive”?
To satisfy the interactivity requirement, your training must engage employees with at least one of the following:
- Question prompts or quizzes
- Scenario-based discussions or exercises
- Opportunities to provide feedback
This is a key compliance feature. Simply playing a passive video or handing out a manual will not meet NYS harassment training requirements. More on interactive training.
Online Training: A Compliant and Convenient Option
Online courses are allowed—as long as they are interactive and meet all the required topics. Many employers choose online training to make compliance easier for remote teams and shift workers.
At Compliance Training Group, we offer a fully compliant, online New York State Sexual Harassment Prevention Training program that is accessible, trackable, and updated with current laws.
Recordkeeping and Employer Obligations
While New York State doesn’t require employers to file proof of training, you should keep records that include:
- Dates of training sessions
- Names of attendees
- Copies of training materials used
These records provide protection if a complaint or investigation arises.
Special Requirements for New York City Employers
If your business operates in New York City and has 15 or more employees, you must also follow the Stop Sexual Harassment in NYC Act. Additional steps include:
- Providing the training annually (same as state law)
- Distributing an anti-harassment fact sheet to all new hires
- Posting a notice on employee rights and responsibilities regarding sexual harassment
Visit the NYC Commission on Human Rights for detailed requirements.
Get Help with Compliance
Compliance Training Group makes it easy to stay compliant with New York’s ever-evolving requirements.
We offer:
- 100% compliant online training
- Spanish-language course options
- Custom branding for enterprise clients
- Certificate issuance and tracking
Let us take the complexity out of compliance, so you can focus on your business.
Frequently Asked Questions About NYS Sexual Harassment Training (FAQ)
Employers and HR professionals often have questions about the specifics of New York State’s mandated sexual harassment prevention training. Below are answers to some of the most common questions regarding training requirements, legal obligations, and best practices to help ensure your organization stays compliant.
All employees working in New York State—including full-time, part-time, seasonal, and temporary staff—must receive annual training.
Yes, as long as it is interactive and covers all required topics. Online courses must still engage employees, not just present passive content.
Interactive training involves active engagement—such as questions, exercises, or discussions. Watching a video without interaction does not meet the standard.
Yes. NYC employers with 15 or more employees must follow the Stop Sexual Harassment in NYC Act, which includes additional posting and distribution rules.
Yes, while not required to submit to the state, maintaining proof of compliance is highly recommended to protect your business in case of claims or audits.
New York State requires annual, interactive sexual harassment prevention training for all employees. This training must include information on defining harassment, reporting procedures, legal protections, and supervisory responsibilities.
New York State’s Human Rights Law prohibits workplace sexual harassment and mandates annual training for all employees. The law also protects workers from retaliation and outlines procedures for filing complaints through the New York State Division of Human Rights.
