Respect at Work Workshops – Free Training for NSW Businesses

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Free training to help NSW businesses prevent workplace sexual harassment

The NSW Government is offering free Respect at Work workshops for businesses across more than 20 metro and regional venues throughout New South Wales.

 

The workshops provide practical guidance on preventing workplace sexual harassment, helping business owners understand their obligations and create safer working environments.

 

For women running small businesses, these sessions offer accessible, no-cost training on an issue that affects workplace culture, staff retention, and legal compliance.

 

What the Workshops Cover

 

The Respect at Work program focuses on practical steps businesses can take to prevent workplace sexual harassment before it occurs.

 

Sessions cover risk identification, policy development, complaint handling procedures, and creating respectful workplace cultures.

 

The training is designed for business owners, managers, and anyone responsible for workplace safety and culture in NSW organisations.

 

Why This Matters for Small Business Owners

 

Since March 2023, Australian businesses have had positive duties under the Sex Discrimination Act to prevent workplace sexual harassment.

 

This means employers must take reasonable steps to eliminate harassment risks, not just respond after incidents occur.

 

For small business owners without dedicated HR departments, understanding these obligations and implementing practical measures can feel overwhelming.

 

These free workshops provide the knowledge and tools needed to meet legal requirements while building healthier workplaces.

 

Where and When Workshops Are Available

 

Workshops are being held at over 20 locations across metro Sydney and regional NSW throughout 2026.

 

The programme includes venues in areas such as Sydney CBD, Parramatta, Penrith, Newcastle, Wollongong, and various regional centres.

 

Each session runs for approximately two hours and is delivered by experienced facilitators with expertise in workplace relations and discrimination law.

 

Specific dates and locations are available through the NSW Government website, with new sessions being added as demand requires.

 

Who Should Attend

 

The workshops are open to anyone involved in running or managing NSW businesses, including:

 

• Business owners and directors
• Managers and supervisors
• HR personnel
• Business partners
• Anyone responsible for workplace culture

 

Women-led businesses, particularly those in sectors where harassment risks may be elevated, can benefit from attending these sessions.

 

What You'll Learn

 

The training covers both legal obligations and practical implementation strategies.

 

Participants learn how to conduct workplace risk assessments, develop appropriate policies, train staff on expected behaviour, and establish clear complaint procedures.

 

The workshops also address how to respond when issues do arise, including investigation procedures and support options for affected employees.

 

Real-world examples and case studies help illustrate how these principles apply in different business contexts.

 

Simple Ways to Get Found Locally

 

Workshops like these help strengthen business practices, but local visibility matters too.

 

Practical steps for NSW business owners:

• Claim and update your Google Business Profile
• Join relevant industry associations in your area
• Participate in local business events and workshops
• Network with other women-led businesses
• Consider local business directories and community groups

 

Being visible in your local business community creates opportunities for partnerships, referrals, and shared learning.

 

The Broader Context

 

The Respect at Work initiative forms part of NSW's broader strategy to address domestic, family, and sexual violence.

 

By providing free training to businesses, the government aims to shift workplace culture at scale rather than relying solely on reactive enforcement.

 

For small businesses, this represents an opportunity to access professional training that might otherwise be cost-prohibitive.

 

How to Register

 

Registration for Respect at Work workshops is managed through the NSW Government website.

 

Business owners can search for sessions near them by location and date, with multiple options available across the state.

 

Places are limited for each session, so early registration is recommended, particularly for metro Sydney venues which tend to fill quickly.

 

What Happens After the Workshop

 

Attending the workshop provides initial knowledge, but implementing change requires ongoing effort.

 

Participants receive resources to take back to their businesses, including policy templates, risk assessment tools, and guidance documents.

 

The NSW Government also provides follow-up resources online for businesses working to improve their workplace practices over time.

 

Taking the Next Step

 

For women running small businesses in NSW, these free workshops offer practical support for meeting legal obligations while building better workplaces.

 

The training is accessible, no-cost, and delivered at locations across the state, making it easier for regional business owners to participate.

 

Whether you're reviewing existing policies or establishing them for the first time, these sessions provide the knowledge and tools needed to create respectful, safer working environments.