The DOL offers a wide variety of programs and services to help businesses across industries. All our services are available at no cost to you. Each month, we’ll highlight what we offer and how we can help your business grow or get through tough times. If something catches your eye, reach out to us and we can create customized solutions to help you meet your goals, no matter what you’re facing.

The DOL has released an updated Sexual Harassment Prevention Model Policy following a comprehensive effort to gather and review recommendations from stakeholders, including businesses around the state.

Since 2018, we have helped thousands of businesses comply with a state law requiring them to adopt and distribute a sexual harassment prevention policy and provide interactive sexual harassment prevention training to all employees.

The updated policy, created in consultation with the New York State Division of Human Rights, adds new language to include remote workers, defines different gender identities and expands on gender discrimination, and provides examples of sexual harassment and retaliation across a broader spectrum of careers. It also includes bystander intervention methods to empower workers to intervene in instances where they witness harassment in their workspace.

The public can now provide comment on the policy through February 11.

In the coming weeks, the DOL will have an updated video series available to help businesses comply with New York State’s regulations on sexual harassment training in the workplace. For more information on the current Sexual Harassment Prevention Model Policy, visit Combating Sexual Harassment in the Workplace.

More businesses than ever are capitalizing on the state’s Registered Apprenticeship Program. If you don’t think your business is a good fit, consider the variety of recently approved trades and occupations: Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA), Piano Builder, Teacher Assistant, Pharmacy Associate, Environmental Literacy Instructor, and Dental Office Assistant.

There are more than 17,000 apprentices participating in over 900 registered apprenticeships statewide, and that number is growing as other industries are learning what the trades have known for years: Apprenticeships provide New Yorkers with the training they need to succeed while businesses get a skilled workforce catered to their needs.

Apprenticeship have proven to be essential in preparing the next generation of skilled workers responsible for maintaining our strong momentum in the economy of tomorrow. They also reduce your costs and turnover while increasing efficiency and productivity.

Learn more about the steps to sign up for the Registered Apprenticeship Program and contact you local Apprenticeship Training Representative with any questions.

The DOL recently announced the availability of a new resource to help connect veterans with critical services. The poster, created in partnership with the New York State Division of Veterans’ Services, is required by law to be displayed by businesses with more than 50 employees, but we would encourage businesses of all sizes to consider posting this important asset.

The poster provides information on how veterans can access several resources, including mental health and substance abuse assistance, training and workforce services, tax benefits, legal resources, and more. The 8.5” x 11” poster can be downloaded and printed directly from the DOL website.

The DOL also has educational and training resources specifically catered to veterans and priority of service for veterans and those who qualify. To learn more, visit our Services for Veterans webpage.

In response to a significant increase in child labor violations nationwide, the DOL has launched a public service campaign to inform young New Yorkers of their rights and protections in the workplace, while also reminding businesses about their responsibilities under state and federal labor laws. Our Employment of Minors webpage is a great resource for information on these laws.

Some important tips to remember for young workers and hiring businesses are:

• Workers aged 14 to 17 need an employment certificate, also called working papers, in order to hold a job in New York State.
• There are limits to the length of shifts, time of day and the number of hours minors can work depending on their age, and if school is in session.
• Minors are prohibited from night work and have different restrictions than adults.
• Minimum wage laws apply to all workers (unless otherwise noted), including minors.
• Minors may not perform certain tasks or occupations deemed dangerous. These tasks and occupations are prohibited at the State and/or the Federal level.

In 2022, New York State handled 464 child labor cases and collected over $270,000 in civil penalties. Most of the violations were related to wage underpayments, hours of work, and prohibited employment.

As part of the campaign, we will continue promoting resources available to help businesses recruit employees to ensure they have an adequate workforce. Our Business Services webpage is a great resource to post job openings, learn about hiring incentives, and access free consultation services.

Going green isn’t just good for the environment. It’s also good for business. Some benefits of energy upgrades include reducing long-term energy costs, attracting employees and customers that seek sustainability-minded businesses, and enhancing the work environment to be more comfortable and productive.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has numerous energy programs and incentives available for small businesses. To learn more about the opportunities your small business may qualify for, check out NYSERDA’s resource for small businesses.

If you already have an energy efficiency or clean energy business, NYSERDA can connect you with its On-the-Job Training Program to reduce the financial risk of hiring and training new employees. The program provides reimbursement up to 75 percent of a new hire’s wages for their first four to six months of employment. More information about the OJT program and the online application can be found on NYSERDA's OJT page. For questions pertaining to New York’s Clean Energy Workforce please contact NYSDOL’s Future of Work Team at labor.sm.futureofwork@labor.ny.gov.