Effective July 1, 2022 , a new Chicago ordinance requires all employers to provide a written policy, post notices, and meet new training and other requirements related to workplace sexual harassment.

The Chicago Commission on Human Rights (Commission) is expected to provide models employers may use to comply with these new requirements by the time they go into effect.

Written Policy and Posting Requirements

Under the new ordinance, every employer in Chicago must have a written policy that includes certain items, such as statements that sexual harassment is illegal and details about how to report allegations. A copy of this written policy must be provided to each employee in the employee's primary language within the first calendar week of employment.

Employers must also post notices about sexual harassment—in English and Spanish—in conspicuous places where employees commonly gather.

Training Requirements

An existing state laws that went into effect in 2020 requires all employers in Illinois to provide annual employee training on sexual harassment. Under Chicago's new ordinance, employers must ensure the training they provide to managers and supervisors is at least two hours long and includes bystander training. The ordinance also requires the training for all other employees to be at least one hour long. Employers may use the state-provided model training program for employees and should watch for Commission models for the additional manager and supervisor training.

Enforcement

Employers that fail to comply with the new requirements may face fines of between $500 and $1,000 per day for each violation.

This article is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel for legal advice.