{"id":4773,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:45","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/employment-law-and-human-resources\/tips-for-creating-a-friendly-workplace.html"},"modified":"2026-08-31T15:32:22","modified_gmt":"2026-08-31T20:32:22","slug":"tips-for-creating-a-friendly-workplace","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/employment-law-and-human-resources\/tips-for-creating-a-friendly-workplace.html","title":{"rendered":"How To Prevent Workplace Harassment: A Guide for Employers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How To Prevent Workplace Harassment: A Guide for Employers<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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Editorial Note: We earn a commission from affiliate partner links on FindLaw. Commissions do not affect the editorial integrity of our legal content.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n

\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Preventing workplace harassment<\/span> means taking proactive steps to create a safe, respectful, and legally compliant work environment<\/span>. For an employer, this involves three key actions: establishing a clear anti-<\/span>harassment policy<\/span>; providing regular training for all staff; and implementing a reliable process for investigating and resolving complaints. Fulfilling this legal and ethical duty is essential for protecting your employees, your company culture, and your bottom line from significant harm.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Workplace discrimination and harassment can damage every part of your business. They can result in lawsuits or fines, increased absenteeism and healthcare costs, and reduced employee retention. A toxic company culture reduces employee morale and production, affecting your bottom line.<\/p>\n

Small business<\/span> owners<\/span> can create a workplace culture that supports all workers and eliminates workplace harassment<\/span>. This article explains the legal foundations of\u00a0workplace anti-<\/span>harassment policies<\/span>. A local employment law<\/span> attorney<\/a> can help you develop anti-discrimination and workplace <\/span>harassment<\/span> policies<\/span> that work for your business and avoid liability.<\/p>\n

This guide provides the steps you can take to ensure a safe and healthy work environment<\/span>. For help in creating a policy or confirming its legality, consider speaking with an employment law<\/span> attorney<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Step 1: Create and Implement Your Anti-<\/span>Harassment Policy<\/span><\/h2>\n

Federal law<\/span> prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity<\/span> and sexual orientation<\/span>), national origin<\/span>, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information<\/span>. Your state or local laws may offer additional protections<\/span>.<\/p>\n

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission<\/span><\/a> (EEOC<\/span>) recommends developing anti-discrimination and anti-<\/span>harassment policies<\/span>. Get input from your employees and consult with legal professionals to ensure compliance with federal and state laws<\/span>. Your state may have stricter regulations than federal law<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Incorporate your anti-discrimination and harassment policies<\/span><\/a> into your employee handbook<\/span>. Include a copy in every new employee<\/span>‘s hiring packet. Provide it to all existing employees as soon as it\u2019s available.<\/p>\n

Your policy should contain:<\/p>\n