On January 12, 2023, the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) proposed a new Sexual Harassment Prevention Model Policy.
Why is this important? Every employer in New York State is required to adopt a sexual harassment prevention policy. An employer that does not adopt the NYSDOL’s model policy must ensure that their policy meets certain minimum requirements.
The proposed model policy is very comprehensive. Just a few of the changes include:
- adding new language to include remote workers,
- defining different gender identities and expands on gender discrimination, and
- providing additional examples of harassment, discrimination and retaliation.
The proposed policy also includes bystander intervention methods to encourage workers to speak up when they witness harassment in their workplace.
The proposed policy is not yet final. Now through February 11, 2023, all New Yorkers can submit feedback on the proposed policy through this secure form.