Our top November 2022 LocalGovU course was the runaway winner for this month, signifying how important it is to have in any local government’s training program regardless of its size, location, or types of services it provides.

The top course was Anti-Harassment in the Workplace. The course shares how “harassment in the workplace is a serious issue that requires a thorough understanding to promote awareness and ultimately prevention. Improper behavior in the workplace may have significant consequences for those involved, for yourself as an employee, and your employer. Recognizing the various types of harassment will help you to identify potential warning signs and take the necessary steps to report harassment” (LocalGovU 2022).

Employment-related claims, which include workplace harassment, are some of the most complex claims the NDIRF receives.

The investigation into property damage claims involves inspection of the property and premises, taking photos of the damage, and collecting maintenance records, if necessary. While these claims aren’t always straightforward, they often don’t involve one element that makes employment-related claims so complex: human emotions.

Interviewing employees and collecting documentation during the investigation stage of employment-related claim types requires an immense time investment for political subdivisions and, as you can imagine, the emotional strain and stress can greatly affect the work environment for not just employees directly involved, but all employees.

One of the best things your political subdivision can do to help reduce this claim type is to provide employees with continuous training about harassment, regardless of whether you have an issue. A prevention mindset is better than a reaction mindset.

“Prevention is the best tool to eliminate harassment in the workplace. Employers are encouraged to take appropriate steps to prevent and correct unlawful harassment. They should clearly communicate to employees that unwelcome harassing conduct will not be tolerated” (U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, para. 5, 2022).

“They can do this by establishing an effective complaint or grievance process, providing anti-harassment training to their managers and employees, and taking immediate and appropriate action when an employee complains. Employers should strive to create an environment in which employees feel free to raise concerns and are confident that those concerns will be addressed” (U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, para. 5, 2022).

LocalGovU gives your political subdivision one channel through which you can provide workplace harassment training for managers and employees. To register today for LocalGovU’s Anti-Harassment in the Workplace, go here: www.NDIRF.com>Training.

LocalGovU is the NDIRF’s free online training platform that offers thousands of courses for each and every one of your local government’s departments. 

+ Bonus Resource!

The HR Collaborative provides employment-related training and resources for North Dakota local governments, including an HR Reference Guide here: HR Collaborative North Dakota – HR Reference Guide (hrndgov.org).