Virginia Training Requirements
In Virginia, sexual harassment training is mandatory for all legislative branch employees and government contractors who have contracts exceeding $10,000 and employ five or more employees.
While private-sector training is not legally mandated under state law, it is highly recommended to protect employers from liability and foster a harassment-free workplace. Training must be provided within the first year of employment and refreshed annually.
Here’s an overview of Virginia’s training expectations:
| Requirement Area |
What You Need to Know |
| Who Must Comply |
Government employees and contractors; recommended for all employers |
| Who Must Be Trained |
All employees, supervisors, and contractors fitting state criteria |
| When to Train |
Within 1 year of employment |
| Training Duration |
1 hour minimum |
| Training Frequency |
Annual refresher training required |
| Training Format |
Interactive, online or in-person sessions |
| Recordkeeping |
Recommended to document compliance and completion |
Who must be trained in Virginia, and when should the training happen?
Employees of Virginia's legislative branch and certain government contractors must be trained within one year of starting employment. Although private employers are not legally required to train employees, it is strongly encouraged to do so proactively to align with EEOC guidance and minimize organizational risk.
How often must training be conducted, and how long should it be?
The training must be a minimum of 1 hour and should be repeated annually. Refresher sessions ensure that employees and supervisors stay updated on best practices, legal changes, and the importance of maintaining a respectful workplace culture.
What topics must be included in Virginia sexual harassment training?
The training must include a clear explanation of sexual harassment definitions under state and federal law, real-world examples of misconduct, employer responsibilities for preventing harassment, reporting mechanisms, and information on retaliation protections. Effective programs should also describe the process for filing internal and external complaints.
Are there any training requirements for new hires or supervisors?
Yes. New hires in the legislative branch and contractors covered by the law must complete harassment prevention training within one year of their hire date. Supervisors must receive additional training to ensure they understand how to recognize signs of harassment, manage complaints confidentially, and prevent retaliation.
What are the recordkeeping requirements for Virginia employers?
While not explicitly mandated, it is strongly recommended that employers maintain:
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Attendance logs and certificates of completion for all trained employees
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Copies of training materials used
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Training dates and formats for at least three years
Keeping thorough records can demonstrate good-faith compliance efforts and protect against potential claims.
What law governs sexual harassment training in Virginia?
Training requirements are based on the Virginia Human Rights Act (VHRA). Additionally, recent legislation introduced heightened obligations for government contractors and expanded worker protections against harassment and discrimination based on a broad range of protected characteristics.
How can employees file a harassment complaint in Virginia?
Employees can report workplace harassment by:
Employees are encouraged to gather supporting documentation to strengthen their case.
Where do I find a sexual harassment training program that complies with my workplace requirements?
Below are expert-designed, state-compliant training programs created to meet both legal obligations and organizational needs. Before assigning the courses to your team, make sure to:
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Add your company logo to tailor the learning experience
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Customize the training content to reflect your specific policies and reporting channels
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Update your anti-harassment policy to include compliance standards and recent legal updates
Each course is fully editable to match your company’s culture and legal requirements.
