Effective today, all employers in New York State (regardless of size) must have a sexual harassment policy in place that complies with the new requirements issued under the New York State Human Rights Law (“NYSHRL”) for such policies, which were finalized last week. In addition, all employers in New York State will be required to administer sexual harassment trainings annually. The deadline for employers to conduct the first training under the NYSHRL is October 1, 2019.

In addition, as noted in our April client alert, pursuant to new provisions of the New York City Human Rights Law (“NYCHRL”), employers located in New York City must post sexual harassment posters in their offices and circulate a fact sheet to current employees and new employees upon hire. We expect that further guidance on the sexual harassment training requirements under the NYCHRL will be issued closer to the new requirements’ effective date of April 1, 2019.

To seek advice regarding the new NYSHRL or NYCHRL requirements, please contact Anne C. Patin (patin@sewkis.com, 212-574-1516) or Julia C. Spivack (spivack@sewkis.com, 212-574-1373).