Training
Training for both employers and employees is a key aspect of preventing discrimination and harassment in the workplace.
Organisations and employers can undertake training to better understand how they can prevent discrimination and harassment in their workplace. They can also provide training for staff on their rights and responsibilities regarding discrimination and harassment in the workplace and how to identify and respond to incidents of discrimination and harassment.
To minimise liability for acts of discrimination and harassment that occur in their workplace or in connection with employment, employers must show that they have taken all reasonable steps to prevent discrimination or harassment from occurring in their workplace. Whether an employer has provided workplace training is a factor that will be considered in determining whether all reasonable steps have been taken.
Training can be delivered through an external provider. It is offered at a low cost by many state and territory anti-discrimination and human rights commissions. Some of these training courses can be delivered in the workplace and tailored to meet individual needs.
In very small businesses, training may be less formal, provided that the employer takes reasonable steps to ensure that all employees are aware of their rights and responsibilities regarding discrimination and harassment.