A new law passed in 2019 requires all Oregon employers to provide, communicate and post a written workplace anti-harassment policy to all employees in compliance with the Oregon Workplace Fairness Act (OWFA). In this course we will examine the OWFA, the specific requirements of the law, and delve into the definition and ramifications regarding harassment and discrimination in the workplace as it relates to the real estate industry. This training will support real estate brokers and principal brokers in bringing knowledge and understanding to their team regarding workplace harassment, examine the work culture of their teams, and provide examples and tools to manage behavior before it rises to the level of harassment and/or discrimination.

A new law passed in 2019 requires all Oregon employers to provide, communicate and post a written workplace anti-harassment policy to all employees in compliance with the Oregon Workplace Fairness Act (OWFA). In this course we will examine the OWFA, the specific requirements of the law, and delve into the definition and ramifications regarding harassment and discrimination in the workplace as it relates to the real estate industry. This training will support real estate brokers and principal brokers in bringing knowledge and understanding to their team regarding workplace harassment, examine the work culture of their teams, and provide examples and tools to manage behavior before it rises to the level of harassment and/or discrimination.

This course also includes information on the requirements that supervisors of real estate licensees need to have in-place at their brokerage. We'll cover the obligations of a supervisor when it comes to harassment, recognize the rules regarding retaliation against a licensee who reports harassment or discrimination, and protecting the confidentiality of the report.

Currently, no. There is no requirement in Oregon that if you have employees or employ independent contractors that sexual harassment training is required. Oregon does require that Oregon employers adopt written policies to reduce specific types of unlawful discrimination and sexual assault. Training regarding these policies is recommended. Bordering states to Oregon either require or encourage sexual harassment training. It's anticipated that Oregon will require anti-harassment education in the future.

For employee training. The Oregon Workplace Fairness Act requires all Oregon employers to adopt a written policy containing procedures and practices to reduce and prevent specific types of unlawful discrimination and sexual assault. Employee training is encouraged to assist in the practical applications of the company's written policies.

For sales agent training. Although the law does not require sales agents/brokers retained as independent contractors to take discrimination prevention education, it's encouraged to train independent contractors to assist in the practical applications of company written policies. In any event, since a different law expands liability for licensees in a professional relationship with their clients, it is highly recommended that sales agents/brokers also complete anti-harassment training even if retained as independent contractors.

For supervisor training. Supervisory employees are encouraged to take the supervisor training to assist with implementing and enforcement of written company policies and procedures.

As a risk management precaution, it is strongly recommended that the responsible principal broker and all other persons who supervise agents or employees take the supervisor-level training. Other recommended individuals include anyone who is in a position to hire, fire, reward, or discipline an employee or independent contractor licensee or who has the responsibility of directing an employee or independent contractor licensee. This recommendation applies regardless of the number of employees or independent contractors the brokerage retains.

It is also highly recommended that all employees and independent contractors take the employee-level training as a risk management tool to assist in preventing sexual harassment within the firm or sexual harassment relating to broker/client interaction.