A legally compliant and respectful workplace begins with effective training. Employers in New York City must ensure that supervisors and employees understand their rights and responsibilities under state and federal antidiscrimination and anti-harassment laws. Proper training not only protects employees from unlawful treatment but also shields employers from legal liability, workplace disputes, and reputational harm.
At Lipsky Lowe LLP, we help businesses establish and implement training programs that meet New York City’s legal requirements while fostering a culture of professionalism and inclusion. Whether you need to comply with mandatory sexual harassment training laws or develop a broader workplace education program, we provide the tools to help protect your organization. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.
Key Antidiscrimination and Antiharassment Laws Employers Must Follow
Employers in New York City must adhere to federal, state, and local laws that prohibit workplace discrimination and harassment. These laws establish comprehensive protections for employees and create clear obligations for businesses.
Federal Laws
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 – Prohibits discrimination based on race, sex, religion, national origin, and other protected categories.
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – Protects employees with disabilities and requires reasonable accommodation.s
- Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) – Prevents discrimination against workers who are 40 or older.
- Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) – Prohibits adverse employment actions based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions.
New York State and City Laws
- New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL) – Applies to all employers, regardless of size, and provides broad workplace protections.
- New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL) – One of the most protective workplace discrimination laws in the country, covering gender identity, sexual orientation, arrest records, and other protected characteristics.
- Stop Sexual Harassment in NYC Act – Requires all employers with 15 or more employees to provide annual sexual harassment prevention training.
Failure to comply with these laws can result in significant legal and financial consequences, including lawsuits, regulatory investigations, and reputational damage.
The Role of Workplace Training in Preventing Discrimination and Harassment
A well-structured training program helps employers maintain compliance with legal requirements while promoting a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace.
Why Training is Essential
- Reduces the risk of legal disputes by ensuring employees understand their rights and obligations
- Encourages proper reporting and response to workplace complaints, minimizing liability
- Reinforces company policies on discrimination, harassment, and retaliation
- Improves workplace culture by fostering professionalism and inclusion
New York City’s Training Requirements
New York City requires employers to provide employees with sexual harassment prevention training every year. However, employers can further protect their business by expanding training to cover all forms of workplace discrimination, unconscious bias, and best practices for handling complaints.
Investing in comprehensive training programs not only fulfills legal obligations but also demonstrates a commitment to workplace equity and fair treatment.
How Lipsky Lowe LLP Can Help Employers Develop Training Programs
At Lipsky Lowe, we offer customized training solutions that help New York City businesses comply with legal requirements while fostering a productive and inclusive work environment. We offer:
- Tailored Training Programs – We develop training sessions specific to your industry, workforce, and risk factors, ensuring practical and relevant education.
- Legal Compliance Guidance – We help employers meet the requirements of New York City’s Stop Sexual Harassment Act, NYSHRL, and federal anti-discrimination laws.
- Manager and Supervisor Training – We educate leadership on how to identify, address, and prevent discrimination and harassment in the workplace.
- Employee Handbook and Policy Development – We assist businesses in drafting and updating workplace policies to align with evolving legal standards.
By integrating best practices, legal compliance, and real-world scenarios, our training programs empower businesses to proactively prevent legal disputes before they arise.
Why Choose Lipsky Lowe LLP for Workplace Training?
As a leading employment law firm in New York City, we provide informed guidance to businesses on complying with workplace laws. Our training programs are designed to be engaging, informative, and legally sound, ensuring that both employees and leadership understand their rights, responsibilities, and best practices for maintaining a fair workplace.
With years of experience advising employers, we know how to tailor training to meet your unique business needs. Whether your company is developing a new training program or seeking to update existing policies, we are the trusted choice. When you partner with us, we wil work with you to establish a positive business culture.
Ensure Compliance and Protect Your Business Today
Workplace training is an essential tool for preventing discrimination and harassment, ensuring compliance with New York City and federal laws, and maintaining a professional work environment. At Lipsky Lowe LLP, we help businesses develop legally compliant, customized training programs that reduce legal risk and promote fairness in the workplace. Contact us today to discuss how we can assist in implementing effective training solutions for your organization.